Decision: Aryan Nations May Obtain Conditional Permit For July 10 Parade

Last year, many citizens of Coeur d’Alene shared their thoughts and feelings about the Aryans’ march held last summer. Some asked if the mayor or City Council members could stop the Aryans from marching at all or if the city can require the marchers to pay the additional costs caused by an Aryan event.

After much serious thought, the City has made a decision about what must be done regarding this year’s pending Aryan parade permit: The City will issue a “conditional” permit to the Aryans, which would allow the group to parade on July 10.

This has been a very difficult decision for the city to make. But, after months of reviewing how other cities have handled similar situations, the answer is clear: The City simply has no choice but to allow this group its parade, regardless of the offensiveness of the group’s message or the fact that the Aryans are not residents of our city.

Because the safety of all citizens is of the utmost importance, the city reviewed several parade routes and decided that a Ramsey Road route would be best. This would enable us to better control pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as well as improve access to emergency vehicles.

In addition, the City Council has approved an ordinance that prohibits persons attending parades and public assemblies from carrying weapons. Also recently approved is a barrier tape ordinance that makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to cross a police-designated barrier tape during a parade.

With regard to additional charges, all parade and special events groups must be treated equally. If we charge the Aryans for extra costs (e.g., cleanup, street closures, and some police costs), we must also charge all other groups holding special events that incur additional costs. Thus, organizers of the Fourth of July parade, the Kiddies Parade and other traditional annual events would have to be charged for their additional costs. Therefore, the solution to the excess costs problem depends on whether all other special events coordinators would be willing and able to pay these additional costs in order to continue holding their events. If they cannot, the city cannot charge the Aryans for the additional costs they impose on the city. Unfortunately, it is clear from previous court rulings that extraordinary costs for police protection cannot be charged to the Aryans.

As difficult as this news must be, let us assure you that we will not let Coeur d’Alene become known as the place where Aryans march. We would rather it be known for the bravery and moral courage of its citizens, who in support of their nation’s Constitution allow free speech in their community.

We once again must personally ask each of you for your support in the upcoming months and the best support you can lend is to avoid the parade. Onlookers add to the risk of harm and encourage the Aryans to march again.

In closing, please know that you will be kept informed about the exact time and route of the parade once it is decided. Thank you for your support and prayers during this very difficult decision. Our prayers are with you, too.

In your service, Mayor Steve Judy City Council members Chris Copstead, Deanna Goodlander, Susan Servick, Ron Edinger, Dixie Reid Nancy Sue Wallace Coeur d’Alene