Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - First Amendment Permits (U.S. National Park Service)

First Amendment Information

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, orprohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom ofspeech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably toassemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protectedby the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Peoplemay exercise these rights in national parks, but the National ParkService still retains its responsibility to protect park resources andprevent conflict among park visitors. Therefore, the National ParkService establishes guidelines for setting the time, place and manner(number of participants, use of facilities and type of equipment) forthe events to occur.

By law, the National Park Service hasestablished places in parks where First Amendment activities can beaccommodated. These areas are visible to the general visiting public without interfering with the public’s enjoyment of the park. These areas are identified in the Superintendent’s Compendium While the National Park Service regulates aspects of the activity toprotect park resources, it never regulates the content of the message.
Permits are issued for First Amendment activities, but there are no fees orcosts, and no insurance is required for the activities.
All requests for similar activities are treated equally. As long as permitcriteria and requirements are met, no group wishing to assemblelawfully will be discriminated against or denied the right of assembly.

Types of First Amendment Activities

Religious services or ceremonies
Press conference
Press coverage of breaking news
Voter registration
Collecting signatures on petitions or voter initiatives
Public demonstration, picketing, assembly or rally for expressing opinion and views
Sale or distribution of printed material related to free expression of opinion

Type of Activities that are NOT covered by the First Amendment

Church picnic or social gathering
Wedding ceremonies or receptions
Political fund raiser or other invitation-only political activity or event
Solicitation of donations
Community parades, athletics, or sporting events
Sale of message-bearing clothing, arts and crafts, or similar merchandise

Many of these activities can be accommodated through the Special
Eventpermit system for which a fee may be charged.
Liability insurance is required. Call the Office of Special Park Uses for assistance
and additional information at 805-370-2308