Ordinance to Restrict Delivery of Handbills Gains

Over objections that it would restrict free speech, the City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance restricting the delivery of unsolicited handbills and newspapers to properties.

The council voted 4-2 on Monday to require distributors of free printed material not to deliver to residents and businesses that place their name on a refusal list. Those who deliver to those addresses could be fined.

Councilman Paul Little said residents have the right to refuse something they don’t want littering their property. He was supported by council members William Paparian, Sidney F. Tyler Jr. and Joyce Streator.

Representatives of the Pasadena Star-News and the Los Angeles Times said the ordinance violates the 1st Amendment provision on free speech.

“This is unconstitutional restraint on freedom of speech,” said Glen Smith, an attorney for the Star-News. Smith questioned who would keep the list up to date and said a lawsuit would be filed if the law goes into effect.

The ordinance would restrict the distribution of free newspapers such as the Star, a weekly with Star-News articles.

Dissenting council members Ann-Marie Villicana and William Crowfoot said a few unwanted handbills are not enough reason to infringe on the constitutional rights of others.