Montana Officials Open to Rolling Back New Capitol Permit Changes

State officials are re-evaluating a recent decision that sparked a wave of debate regarding First Amendment rights and in particular, the freedom to peaceably assemble.

Now, the pendulum is swinging the other way.

Montana Reacts to Weekend Event Permit Change at Capitol Complex

Recently, we shared a story with you about the Capitol Complex changing their policy on granting event permits to granting them for weekdays only.

The move sparked a wave of backlash from some, who claimed the move was an attempt to suppress free speech. This is due to the change happening just before the planned 'No Kings Day' event on March 28th at the Capitol.

ALSO READ: Montana Capitol Permit Changes Spark First Amendment Debate

"I thought this administration was about personal rights," Julie R. said in a comment about this story on the 560 KMON Facebook page.

"Welcome to the land of the free, if you’re just like me."

"Anytime the government makes a move to limit constitutional rights, people should be extremely critical," David R. added to the 560 KMON comment section.

Word eventually got back to the Capitol and now, state officials are reconsidering the permit change.

State Officials Open to Granting Weekend Permits Again... Well, Sorta

According to a report from the Daily Montanan that was shared by Yahoo! News, the Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles expressed that she was "willing to figure out a better solution."

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The report indicates that allowing permits to be granted on Saturdays but not Sundays is on the table.

Is This a Step Toward Compromise for Both Sides?

At the end of the day, life is all about compromise, right? When it came to the permit change, some people were understandably upset while others, understandably supported it.

We're all entitled to our opinions but the biggest takeaway here is that voices are being heard on both sides.

Opening up uncomfortable conversations and getting past that first ridged part is quite difficult - it's why so many of us humans avoid them if we can; it makes some of us feel "safe"... and that's okay.

That said, it's absolutely okay to stand on what you believe in. In this case, critics of the change chose to stand on First Amendment rights. Supporters of the change chose to stand on the government making the call to use resources how they see fit best.

No matter the side you're on, we're all exercising our American right to have an opinion. If 'No Kings Day' does, in fact, bring a crowd of folks to the Capitol, it's my hope that those there exercise their First Amendment rights as proudly as they can while remaining respectful to the area and law enforcement protecting those rights.

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On the other hand, it's also my hope that those who were in favor of the weekday only permits, understand and appreciate the compromise.

They don't have to go or they can go. They don't have to care, or they show a fiery passion for their cause... but let's respect the fact our state government is hearing us and doing its best to come to a compromise.