Image taken via Channel 35
LOS ANGELES -- A protester dressed up in a Ku Klux Klan outfit made a third appearance at the Los Angeles City Council Friday in what has turned into a test for city officials about how far people can take their First Amendment rights in city council chambers.
Hunt, an African American, recently won a $260,000 settlement against the city challenging its vending ordinance in federal court as a violation of his rights. Instead of paying Hunt, though, the city has appealed the decision.
Hunt claims the reason the city hasn't paid him is racially motivated. He says wearing the KKK outfit is his way of exercising his First Amendment rights to protest the city's decision not to pay him.
City council members pointed out Friday that the First Amendment does have its limits, and in this case they say Hunt crossed the line.
"In an abstract way, there is no limitation on you wearing a mask and that outrageous and offensive garb. But if it has a disruptive effect that goes into the area of action, we will have you removed," City Councilman Eric Garcetti told Hunt.
Hunt didn't put his mask back on for the remainder of the meeting.
On Wednesday, City Council chambers went dark early after Hunt refused to remove his white robe and hood before speaking.
"Mr. Hunt, you're going to have to remove your hood," Councilman Dennis Zine, who was the presiding officer, told Hunt twice.
"Are you refusing to remove your hood? ... Mr. Hunt, we can't hear you. Remove your hood."
Hunt refused to remove the garb, citing his First Amendment rights.
When three African American councilmembers left -- apparently out of disgust -- the council floor was lost, ending the discussion.
Zine told KTLA he believes the latest stunt may be an attempt to sue the city again over a violation of his First Amendment rights.
"In this day and age, no one should be wearing that attire. No one should come to a public meeting wearing that attire and offend not only the councilmembers but the general public," Zine said.
The city council is now looking at adopting rules that would allow them to remove anyone who is disruptive during meetings, or wearing disruptive clothing such as Hunt's.
Hunt, an African American, recently won a $260,000 settlement against the city challenging its vending ordinance in federal court as a violation of his rights. Instead of paying Hunt, though, the city has appealed the decision.
Hunt claims the reason the city hasn't paid him is racially motivated. He says wearing the KKK outfit is his way of exercising his First Amendment rights to protest the city's decision not to pay him.
City council members pointed out Friday that the First Amendment does have its limits, and in this case they say Hunt crossed the line.
"In an abstract way, there is no limitation on you wearing a mask and that outrageous and offensive garb. But if it has a disruptive effect that goes into the area of action, we will have you removed," City Councilman Eric Garcetti told Hunt.
Hunt didn't put his mask back on for the remainder of the meeting.
On Wednesday, City Council chambers went dark early after Hunt refused to remove his white robe and hood before speaking.
"Mr. Hunt, you're going to have to remove your hood," Councilman Dennis Zine, who was the presiding officer, told Hunt twice.
"Are you refusing to remove your hood? ... Mr. Hunt, we can't hear you. Remove your hood."
Hunt refused to remove the garb, citing his First Amendment rights.
When three African American councilmembers left -- apparently out of disgust -- the council floor was lost, ending the discussion.
Zine told KTLA he believes the latest stunt may be an attempt to sue the city again over a violation of his First Amendment rights.
"In this day and age, no one should be wearing that attire. No one should come to a public meeting wearing that attire and offend not only the councilmembers but the general public," Zine said.
The city council is now looking at adopting rules that would allow them to remove anyone who is disruptive during meetings, or wearing disruptive clothing such as Hunt's.
