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The Zurich city government allows pro-life activists only one position. I’ll probably go to court again.
Opponents of abortion cannot move to Zurich next year. The city government prohibits the “march by the bar” and only allows a rally in a square. The city had not issued a permit this year or last. In 2019, opponents of abortion enforced the right to march in court.
“Security concerns”
The city’s security chief Karin Rykart (Greens) justified the decision with security concerns, as SRF News discovered. The “March for the Labe” calls for the left and especially the left extremist groups on the scene. In 2019 there were counter-demonstrations with massive riots, material damage, burning barricades and attacks on the police and firefighters.
An anti-abortion movement cannot protect itself from such attacks by “reasonable means,” according to the city government. Therefore, only a permanent rally is possible at the Turbinenplatz in the industrial district of Zurich.
Police use water cannons in a counter-demonstration against the “March for the Lobe” on 14 September 2019 in Zurich.
Keystone / Files
Muzzle for an unloved political group?
The left-wing city government had to put up with the accusation from the “March for the Labe” organization and the bourgeois parties that the May Day parade was possible on Labor Day, although there were repeated demonstrations with riots and police operations . . However, the city government denies that the ban is ideologically and politically motivated. In the case of other demonstration motions, sometimes only standing demonstrations are allowed. Proving is a basic right with limits.
Is the city’s approach democratic?
Zurich city attorney Patrice Zumsteg wrote his dissertation on the demonstrations in Zurich. It says that if someone threatens to use violence to disrupt a demonstration, it is up to the authorities to take action against these people. Those who want to exercise their basic rights must be protected. In this case, they are pro-life.
He fought in court: The March for Life 2019 on September 24, 2019 in Zurich.
Keystone / Files
In addition, according to Zumsteg, the right to demonstrate includes a so-called appeal effect: whoever demonstrates must be able to reach as many people as possible. This is especially important for small and marginalized groups like the “March for the Labe”. Turbine Square in the industrial district, which is not very crowded on weekends, is therefore not an alternative to moving. The right to demonstrate is thus restricted.
Probably legal action
After the legal success of abortion opponents last year, it is still unclear whether they want to challenge the governor’s latest decision, as Brunner puts it. A spokeswoman for the organization announced two weeks ago that they would likely take legal action again, up to federal court at most.
