MARIJUANA SUPPORTERS SUE ORLANDO TO USE PARK

A Gainesville group trying to legalize marijuana has sued Orlando in
federal court, contending its right to free speech is being denied
because the city wants to charge it to use Lake Eola Park.

The Cannabis Action Network is seeking a temporary injunction that
would allow it to stage a rally with live music at the Lake Eola
amphitheater Oct. 11.

City officials say the network is welcome to use the park if it pays
fees of about $1,500, including $800 to lease the stage and $700 for
insurance.

Such charges, the hemp backers counter, are unconstitutional because
they prevent poorly funded groups from getting out their messages.

"What that means is if you're rich, you can have a rally. If you're
poor, you can't. I don't think that's what the Constitution says,"
said Orlando lawyer Dick Wilson, who represents the network.

City Attorney Scott Gabrielson said Orlando always charges rent for
the amphitheater, regardless of a group's politics. The amphitheater,
he said, is no different than the Orlando Arena, where acts are
charged rent in order to perform.

"Arguably," Gabrielson said, "Garth Brooks is going to exercise his
right to free speech soon, but we are going to charge him for it."

As a compromise, Gabrielson said, the city offered virtually free
access to the east side of Lake Eola, where there is no stage, but the
group refused.

"We want to be where we can attract the most attention," said Kevin
Aplin, a network spokesman.

The Cannabis Action Network wants doctors to be able to prescribe
marijuana for patients suffering from illnesses such as AIDS, cancer
and glaucoma.

Supporters say marijuana often soothes the nausea caused by drugs used
to combat AIDS and cancer and can lower blood pressure in people
suffering from glaucoma.

U.S. District Judge Patricia Fawsett in Orlando has been assigned the
case but has not scheduled a hearing date.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry