How dare the government put restrictions on the reporters exercising their Second First Amendment rights.
PHOENIX (AP) — The gallery of the Arizona House of Representatives had a new set of occupants as lawmakers convened for their debate: journalists.
Reporters who normally have access to the floor of the House to interview lawmakers and ask questions about important legislation had those privileges revoked after leadership imposed new security policies that restrict access for journalists who refuse to submit to extensive background checks. News organizations including The Associated Press, Arizona Republic and Arizona Capitol Times all refused to comply, and lost access to the floor.
The House session then took on an unusual feel as the journalists in the gallery became a part of the story and Democrats and Republicans sparred over the new rules for more than an hour, debating everything from the First Amendment to security to gun violence. Democrats said it was an attack on the freedom of press, but Republicans said it was a prudent security measure in the wake of protests at the capitol last week over long voting lines.
Democrats criticized House leaders for imposing new security requirements for reporters while at the same time loosening restrictions to let lawmakers carry guns on the House floor. That set off debate about gun violence.
“I think we need to acknowledge we are a soft target – we have had a congresswoman shot,” said Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, referring to the shooting of former Rep. Gabby Giffords. “I am grateful that we have the ability and I thank the speaker for allowing us to carry.”
The new security rules for journalists were announced Monday by the office of House Speaker David Gowan, a Republican.
They initially required all journalists routinely covering the chamber to immediately allow the House staff to search for any criminal or civil cases, plus employer or any other records. The employer-records provision was removed, but the form journalists are being asked to sign still requires a blanket waiver of rights to search for criminal, civil or other public records along with information about where journalists live.
Reporters who routinely cover the House receive credentials and get access to the chamber’s floor through an electronic key card, and for decades there have been desks for them to do their work. When the House isn’t in session, reporters can talk to lawmakers and ask them questions. It’s a key method for journalists who cover the House to get to know and understand the positions of lawmakers in both major parties.