HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston City Council members are considering a new law that would ban protests at private homes, following a series of incidents where demonstrators have targeted elected officials’ residences.
The proposal has sparked a debate about the balance between free speech rights and privacy concerns. On July 19, protesters gathered outside the home of Houston Mayor John Whitmire, voicing opposition to the war in Gaza. During the demonstration, eight people, including Eyad El-Akoum, were detained and cited under Houston’s noise ordinance.
“Protesting is not illegal,” El-Akoum stated. “It is a fundamental, inherent right for anybody to speak out against injustices.”
The proposed law, set to be voted on by the council, would prohibit picketing and demonstrating within 200 feet of a targeted dwelling. However, specifics about the law’s application remain unclear.
Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law, raised several questions: “The obvious question is: 200 feet from where? From a person’s home? From their front yard? Is this 200 feet from anyone’s home or just a government official’s home? If this is targeting government officials, is this some sort of law that is not neutral and applies only to particular politicians? Maybe this is designed to suppress speech rather than just protect privacy.”
A spokesperson for the mayor clarified that the proposal was not initiated by Mayor Whitmire but was requested by several other elected officials. The identities of these officials were not disclosed.
Over the past year, protests have also occurred at the homes of other leaders, including Senator Ted Cruz and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. El-Akoum expressed concern that the proposed ordinance would not stop protests but merely shift them to neighboring homes. “So, if that’s what you all want, to disturb your neighbors and not listen to your constituents, then we’re going to play by your rules,” he said.
The mayor’s office noted that Dallas has a similar ordinance restricting protests at private residences. ABC13 has sought further details from both the mayor’s office and the City of Dallas but has not yet received a response. At least one council member mentioned that they have not been provided with any details about the proposal.
As the council prepares to vote on Wednesday, many questions remain unanswered.
