Borough of Edgeworth, PA Chapter 93 Picketing

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Edgeworth 9-18-1990 by Ord. No. 433. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Peace and good order — See Ch. 91.

§ 93-1 Declarations.

It is hereby declared that:

A. The protection and preservation of the home is the keystone of democratic government.

B. The public safety, health and welfare and the good order of the Borough of Edgeworth require that members of the community enjoy a feeling of well-being, security, tranquility and privacy while they are in their homes and dwellings.

C. The practice of picketing before or about residences and dwellings may cause emotional disturbance and distress to the occupants of said residences and dwellings.

D. Such practice also may obstruct and interfere with the free use of public sidewalks and public way of travel.

E. Such practice may have as its object the harassing of such occupants.

F. Without resort to such practice, full opportunity exists, and under the terms and provisions of this chapter will continue to exist, for the exercise of freedom of speech and other constitutional rights.

G. The provisions hereinafter enacted are necessary for the public interest to avoid the detrimental results herein set forth and are enacted by the Council of Edgeworth pursuant to the provisions of the Borough Code, at 53 P.S. § 46202(17), (20) and (74).

§ 93-2 Picketing residences or dwellings prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person to engage in picketing before or about the residence or dwelling of any individual in the Borough of Edgeworth.

§ 93-3 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

BEFORE or ABOUT

Posting or proceeding on a definite course or route focused on and taking place in front of or around a residence or dwelling.

RESIDENCE or DWELLING

A single-family residence, condominium, apartment or townhouse, but does not include such a place used by an occupant as such occupant's principal place of business or such a place when used for a public meeting.

§ 93-4 Violations and penalties.

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $1,000, together with the costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment of such forfeiture and costs of prosecution, shall be imprisoned until such forfeiture and costs are paid, but not to exceed 30 days. Each violation of this chapter and each day the same is continued shall constitute a separate violation hereof.