An unconstitutional law in the birthplace of the Constitution?
There is indeed, claim three tour guides who have taken issue with City Council's attempt to ensure that they know their history.
The guides filed a federal lawsuit yesterday that seeks to knock down a new city tour-guide licensing law.
Brought with the backing of some tour operators, the suit argues that the law, which takes effect Oct. 13 and imposes fines of up to $300, violates tour guides' First Amendment free-speech rights.
"The Constitution protects your right to talk for a living, whether you're a journalist, a stand-up comedian, or a tour guide," said Robert J. McNamara, a staff attorney with the Institute for Justice, a Virginia-based libertarian organization that is representing the plaintiffs.
"You cannot punish people for unauthorized talking," he said.
The law, which Mayor Nutter signed in April, requires tour guides operating in the Center City tourist area - river to river between Vine and South Streets - to pay a fee, provide proof of insurance, and pass a written test to obtain a license.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Tour guides challenge Phila. licensing law
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports:
