Evendale, Ohio — Attorney Lou Sirkin, known for his representation of high-profile figures like Jerry Springer and Hustler publisher Larry Flynt, is stepping into a contentious local issue following a neo-Nazi protest. Sirkin, an authority on First Amendment rights, is working with the Village of Evendale to navigate the aftermath of the unexpected demonstration that garnered national attention in February.
Sirkin, a partner at the Cincinnati law firm Santen & Hughes, has a long history of defending free speech rights. His notable achievements include successfully defending an arts director in obscenity trials during the 1990s. With a focus on protecting protestors’ rights, he notably represented individuals arrested during Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020. Now, he has turned his attention to the recent events in Evendale, where a neo-Nazi group staged a protest on a highway overpass.
The February 7 protest, involving approximately a dozen demonstrators waving swastika flags and some carrying firearms, posed new challenges to local law enforcement and community safety. In response, Sirkin plans to review Evendale’s existing ordinances, ensuring they align with both state and federal laws. His aim is to make recommendations that could improve the village’s regulations concerning future protests.
“We may find ourselves seeing this again, not just here but in surrounding areas like Sharonville or Woodlawn,” Sirkin said. “We need uniformity in how each village handles these situations.” He also emphasized the importance of understanding Ohio’s open carry laws, which might allow demonstrators to carry firearms without permits. The current legal landscape presents complications, as some states permit local governments to impose restrictions on such displays during large gatherings.
Public protests are no longer confined to urban areas; they are increasingly occurring in smaller communities, leading to concerns about safety and preparedness among local police. “The dynamics have changed. Protesters might show up armed, which creates a different environment,” Sirkin noted.
Community outrage ensued following the neo-Nazi demonstration, particularly from residents of Lincoln Heights, which has a significant Black population. Many expressed concerns over safety and the message of hate that the protest represented. Sirkin recognized the community’s mobilization, noting that local residents effectively outshouted the protestors, forcing them to leave within a brief time. He commended local law enforcement for their controlled response during the event, highlighting their ability to mediate tensions.
In addition to reviewing local ordinances, Evendale officials have engaged the consulting firm 21CP Solutions, led by former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, to assess police actions during the protest and suggest improvements moving forward. Sirkin stressed the necessity for law enforcement training that promotes acceptance and tolerance, especially in light of the current climate of heightened tensions.
With ongoing discussions about relevant legal frameworks, Sirkin believes communities must proactively revisit their regulations overall. “This is a critical time for communities to reevaluate their ordinances,” he said. “We need a more conscious approach to addressing the rise of hate speech and demonstrations that incite fear.”
As Evendale considers its next steps following the protest, Sirkin’s expertise may help shape policies that balance free expression with community safety. Further developments from the independent review and community feedback will likely steer future actions and legislative considerations aimed at protecting the rights and safety of all citizens.
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