Haas, citing First Amendment, says no to Rebel flag ban
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
PORTSMOUTH- A discussion item in the past two Portsmouth City Managers sessions seems like it will remain in that status following a response from City Solicitor John Haas.
Haas received an inquiry from 2nd Ward Councilwoman Charlotte Gordon during the Nov. 23 meeting regarding the presence of Confederate flags on city property, more specifically on the city-owned campgrounds by the riverfront.
He said then that he would need time to review the legal merits of prohibiting the symbol, which would’ve been made part of the city’s policy for campers, but sensed there would be First Amendment implications.