Illegal to protest at jailhouses or military bases?

Question

Does anyone know if that is right? That doesnt seem to be right, but I read that today from a pretty reliable source. Is it against the law to assert our constitutional right to assembly at jailhouses or military bases? Thanks.

Answer 1

You don't say what country you are in, so I can't even find out for you...

It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest though, as it has obvious security benefits.

If a bunch of criminals wanted to perform a jail break for their incarcerated friends, it would be an obvious rouse to distract the attention of the security guards.

Similarly, if terrorists wanted to disrupt military bases, the same would apply.

It's just a pragmatic approach. I don't think it's an infringement of anyone's civil liberties.

I would imagine also, that it is probably a legal offence, so that they have the right to further punish prison rioters, or military mutineers.

Answer 2

I don't know, why don't you find out?

Answer 3

I'm thinking that anyone's opinion on military bases isn't something they would approve of. Military bases, in my opinion, would rather stay in a neutral bias with any major say on something. They not one to deal with any matters or take a stand on anything if it can be helped.

Answer 4

There may be a statutory provision in your state prohibiting demonstrations at jailhouses or military bases, in which case it is illegal, and probably doesn't pose problems under the First Amendment's speech clause, either.  

Jailhouses/prisons and military bases are treated as non-public fora, meaning that the government does not have to allow people to come on for purposes other than the ones for which the property is intended.  While you still have speech rights, they can be curtailed as long as the government isn't discriminating between viewpoints and the restriction is reasonable.

In the cases of military bases and jails, as some have already pointed out, there are very good reasons for disallowing protests on the property.  You still, however, should be able to protest off, but near, the property -- the distance is usually determined by statute and you may need to get a permit too.