R23-20-1. Purpose

(1) The purpose of this rule is to:

(a) facilitate constitutionally protected free speech and assembly at state facilities and grounds.

(b) preserve the right of every person to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly as protected by the constitutions of the state of Utah and the United States subject to lawful time, place and manner rules regarding free speech activities necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including safety and security considerations, the rights of others to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly, and minimizing the disruption to governmental business;

(c) facilitate public assembly and communication between people;

(d) designate areas under the Managing Agency's control, for free speech activities as specified in this rule that are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including safety and security considerations, the rights of others to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly, and minimizing the disruption to governmental business; and

(e) establish guidelines to facilitate constitutionally protected free speech activities and public assembly.

(2) This rule is intended to further the following governmental interests:

(a) to facilitate constitutionally protected free speech activities and public assembly;

(b) to provide for lawful time, place and manner rules regarding free speech activities necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare;

(c) to provide safety and security of all persons visiting or using state facilities and grounds;

(d) to minimize disruption to or interruption of the conduct of state business;

(e) to maintain unobstructed and efficient flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic between and within state facilities and grounds in order to provide safety and security of persons, emergency vehicle access, and assure accessibility to public services;

(f) to provide all persons their guaranteed right of free speech and freedom of assembly without harm or interruption; and

(g) to inform persons of their responsibilities regarding littering, damage to, and vandalism of state facilities and grounds.