2006 Ohio Revised Code - 2917.12. Disturbing a lawful meeting.

§ 2917.12. Disturbing a lawful meeting.
 

(A)  No person, with purpose to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering, shall do either of the following: 

(1) Do any act which obstructs or interferes with the due conduct of such meeting, procession, or gathering; 

(2) Make any utterance, gesture, or display which outrages the sensibilities of the group. 

(B)  Whoever violates this section is guilty of disturbing a lawful meeting, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. 
 

HISTORY: 134 v H 511. Eff 1-1-74.
 

Not analogous to former RC § 2917.12 (RS § 6904; S&C 415, 431, 911; 29 v 144; 68 v 9; GC § 12833; Bureau of Code Revision, 10-1-53), repealed 134 v H 511, § 2, eff 1-1-74.

 

19xx Committee Report or Comment.

1974 Committee Comment to H 511

This section retains a modified version of a former prohibition against disturbing a lawful meeting, and is designed to insure in some measure the orderly, free expression of ideas. Under the section it must be shown that the actor's specific intention is to interfere with the due conduct of a gathering or procession, and if such purpose is shown it is immaterial whether the disruptive conduct is simply an act of rowdyism or is under the guise of asserting some right, such as the right of freedom of speech. In this latter regard, a person who asserts his rights to free speech, expression, or assembly in such a way as to intentionally interfere with the exercise of the same rights by others, is guilty of an abuse of the right. See, Sections 3 and 11, Article I, Ohio Constitution. 

Disturbing a lawful meeting is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.