The Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest Sunday outside the Appomattox Courthouse building on Court Street did not have an official permit, but the town was aware of the event beforehand and gave organizers permission.

According to the section 185-5.3 of the town code, “It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct or participate in a public assembly, demonstration, or parade on the public streets, sidewalks, or other public property of the Town in a place open to the general public for which a written permit has not been issued in accordance with the provisions of the article.”

Town Manger Gary Shanaberger said that they where made aware of the protest, so that was good enough. He said that the purpose of the code is so the town knows details of an event, such as when and where it takes place, and they have a First Amendment right to protest.

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