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 Mormon Church wants buffer, demonstration permits Associated Press Feb. 16, 2004 SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Mormon church officials have suggested that the city establish a buffer zone separating church conference attendees from the street preachers who harangue them. Church officials do not want confrontations like at last October's conference, in which two Mormons were arrested trying to retrieve feces-covered temple garments that two street preachers were taunting them with. "That's just some sick shit," said Charlotte Smith as she was led away in cuffs, covered with fecal matter. In a December letter to city officials, church attorney Von Smith, no relation, suggested the city revise its free-speech ordinance, suggesting keeping all demonstrators at least 100 yards from Conference Center entrances. Smith also called for further restricting noise levels and for requiring that "protesters, or any one that spews anti-Mormon speech," buy a special public use permit for any anti-Mormon demonstrations to be held on public or private property. According to City Attorney Ed Smith, again no relation, the permit will cost approximately $1000 per day, per demonstration and the proceeds will benefit the Mormon Church. SHF News reporter Bobby Fletcher spoke with Smith via telephone. When asked why this permit only applied to "anti-Mormon" demonstrations he said the application of this special use permit was due to "the large problem with anti-Mormon demonstrations" in the Salt Lake City area. "Sounds like you are trying to suppress the free speech right of people that are not of the Mormon faith?" asked Fletcher. "No, no. The non-Mormon people have the right to free speech just like Mormons," responded Smith. "They just can't slander the Mormon faith." "Since when is disagreeing with a belief slander?" asked Fletcher. "When you are in Utah," replied Smith. Fletcher posed the same question to Mormon Church attorney Smith, no relation. "Listen," said Smith, "this is a Mormon state and a Mormon city containing a largely Mormon population. Of course we have to entice the legislature to pass pro-Mormon laws. It is in the public interest to protect the majority … and the majority is Mormon." "Kind of like how you 'enticed' the Olympic Committee?" asked Fletcher. "Kind of … uh ruh … I mean … no, not like how we bribed the Olympic … uh ruh …" Smith stammered. "This interview is over." 
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