Resolution Affirming Free Speech, Condemning The Heckler’s Veto, And Upholding Legal Protections
WHEREAS, The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) is steadfastly committed to the principles of free speech and civil discourse as enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, ensuring all voices within our community may be heard in an orderly manner;
WHEREAS, On February 22, 2025, at a legislative town hall hosted by the KCRCC- a private event held in a facility rented from the Coeur d’Alene School District for $500 with $1 million in required event insurance, an attendee disrupted proceedings by interrupting at least seven times, shouting insults, and physically assaulting security personnel by biting and kicking them after refusing five lawful orders from the Sheriff to leave, thereby infringing upon the rights of 450 attendees to engage in civil dialogue;
WHEREAS, This behavior constitutes a “heckler’s veto,” an unacceptable tactic where one person’s disruptions seek to silence the speech of others, undermining the constitutional rights of both speakers and listeners, as evidenced by the heckler’s actions and the coordinated departure of certain activists mid-event;
WHEREAS, Allowing a heckler’s veto to persist unchallenged would set a dangerous precedent, potentially incentivizing lax enforcement of Idaho Code by emboldening disruptors to undermine lawful gatherings without consequence, eroding public order and the rights of citizens to assemble peaceably;
WHEREAS, Idaho law, including Idaho Code § 18-7008, upholds the right of private event organizers to remove disruptors who refuse to leave after reasonable requests, a right affirmed by the Idaho Supreme Court in State v. Korsen (2003) and further reinforced in Herndon v. City of Sandpoint (2023), which upheld a private lessee’s authority to enforce rules on leased public land, and Idaho Code § 18-705 penalizes resistance to lawful orders, both of which were violated by the heckler’s conduct;
WHEREAS, President Donald Trump stated on March 3, 2025, “Paid troublemakers are attending Republican Town Hall Meetings. It is all part of the game for the Democrats, but just like our big LANDSLIDE ELECTION, it’s not going to work for them!” - an observation borne out by the orchestrated disruption at our townhall, reflecting a broader pattern of political interference; and
WHEREAS, Some within our party have criticized the KCRCC’s lawful management of this incident without acknowledging the disruptive and violent behavior that necessitated action, raising questions about consistency in defending free speech and order; and therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee:
Reaffirms our support for free speech as a cornerstone of liberty, distinct from actions that unlawfully disrupt others’ rights to speak and assemble;
Condemns the “heckler’s veto” as a tactic to suppress discourse and urge members to reject it;
Endorses Idaho laws (§ 18-7008, § 18-705) and judicial precedents (State v. Korsen, Herndon v. City of Sandpoint) that protect private entities’ rights to maintain order, as upheld in our lawful response to disruptions;
Calls on all members to unite in supporting this resolution, defending free speech, legal order, and constituents’ rights against orchestrated disruption; and
RESOLVED That the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee secretary will submit this resolution to the Idaho Republican Party (IDGOP) for adoption and passage during the summer 2025 IDGOP Meeting, as well as to all House and Senate legislators in Legislative Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5 - thereby reinforcing the party’s commitment to protecting free speech, condemning the heckler’s veto, and upholding the legal rights of Idahoans to assemble peaceably without disruption.
Adopted by the KCRCC March 25, 2025
