1984
September 7
Chicago Bans Break Dancers, Jugglers, Mimes, Singers; ACLU Sues
The City of Chicago on this day passed an ordinance banning dancer, jugglers, mimes and singers from performing on public sidewalks without a permit.
The ACLU of Illinois announced that it would challenge the law as a violation of freedom of assembly.
The attempt by Chicago to ban public entertainers recalled the battle over folk singing in Washington Square Park in New York City in the 1960s. See April 11, 1961 and May 14, 1961.
Learn more at the Illinois ACLU
Learn more about the history of folk singing in Greenwich Village, 1961-1970.
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