MARIJUANA RALLY SPONSORS DECRY PERMIT DENIAL

BOSTON (AP) -- After years of public marijuana smoking at a pro-marijuana
rally on Boston Common, the city felt it was time to deny organizers a
permit for this year's event. But the pot enthusiasts claimed their
constitutional rights were violated, and they sought an injunction Friday
to block the city from interfering with the ninth Annual Freedom Rally set
for Oct. 3.

"Mayor Menino doesn't like people smoking dope, and he doesn't want the
city to be seen as condoning it," said John Swomley, attorney for the
Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition.

MassCann came away with a partial victory when Suffolk Superior Court Judge
Carol Ball persuaded the city to agree to issue a permit, but she also
scheduled a hearing later this month on restrictions sought by the city.

When Boston initially denied the 1998 permit request, it listed 20
conditions MassCann would have to satisfy in order to meet city standards.

Those stipulations -- including a requirement that all speakers and
performers discourage marijuana smoking and announcements that police would
enforce drug laws -- are likely to be addressed at the upcoming hearing.

"The Boston Common is the oldest forum for freedom of expression," said
Bill Downing, president of Reading-based MassCann.

But city spokesman John Dorsey said the city was on solid constitutional
ground.

"If anything, it's a disclaimer," he said. "We're just asking to let people
know that police will be enforcing the laws."

Checked-by: Richard Lake