Proposed Music Ban Prompts Talks

A proposal to get several Arkansas cities to temporarily ban music that allegedly promotes and/or causes violence was turned down but opened a dialog among officials.

Andrew DeMillo/AP – Shooting Scene
An investigator collects evidence near an Arkansas nightclub where police say multiple people were shot, in Little Rock, Ark.

Justice of the Peace Judy Green proposed the 180-day ban for Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville at Pulaski County Quorum Court July 11, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette said. The proposal was overruled because of the First Amendment but the officials are said to have approved an amended version.

Green told the paper she didn’t expect her proposal to pass. It was more about spotlighting recent violence including the July 1 shooting at the Power Ultra Lounge in Little Rock that left 28 people injured.

“My hope is that this resolution will send a strong message to our municipal leaders and encourage them to enact tougher laws towards performers who incite violence through their messaging,” she said in a statement.

The Democrat-Gazette reported Justice of the Peace Donna Massey reworded the resolution to promote “civil discourse among residents” and “positive actions of empowerment and improvement of the community.”