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Civil Liberties Union
NYCLU Commends City, Brookfield for Respecting Zuccotti Christmas Service
The New York Civil Liberties Union today commended New York City officials and Brookfield Properties for respecting a protest group’s right to hold a Christmas prayer vigil and religious services at Zuccotti Park. “We’re gratified that the city and Brookfield respected people’s right to hold the religious services in the park,” NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. “We’ll continue to press them to make Zuccotti Park accessible to everyone subject to clear, fair rules that are consistently enforced.”
The New York Civil Liberties Union today commended New York City officials and Brookfield Properties for respecting a protest group’s right to hold a Christmas prayer vigil and religious services at Zuccotti Park.
“We’re gratified that the city and Brookfield respected people’s right to hold the religious services in the park,” NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. “We’ll continue to press them to make Zuccotti Park accessible to everyone subject to clear, fair rules that are consistently enforced.”
The group, Occupy Faith, which is composed of members of an Occupy Wall Street Christian interest group, held a religious celebration in Zuccotti Park from midnight on Christmas Eve through midnight Christmas Day. In a letter last week, the NYCLU notified the city and Brookfield Properties that Occupy Faith intended to hold the religious services in the park.
Since the NYPD cleared the protesters’ encampment in Zuccotti Park on Nov. 16, Brookfield security guards and police officers have limited access to the park. Individuals have been arbitrarily and inconsistently barred from bringing certain items into the park, such as food or musical instruments.
The Christmas services occurred largely without incident. Worshippers prayed, had a communal meal and enjoyed music.