Viewpoint: Reps to governor – keep Capitol grounds open to speech

State Representatives

We write as members of the Montana Legislature who represent citizens from communities across our state to express our strong concern over your administration’s decision to stop issuing permits for weekend events on the grounds of the Montana State Capitol.

For generations, the Capitol grounds have served as a central gathering place where Montanans from every corner of our state come to peacefully assemble, express their views, and engage with their government. Community groups, students, tribal members, advocates, and ordinary citizens have long relied on this public space to exercise their constitutional rights and participate in civic life.

The rights to free speech and peaceful assembly are among the most fundamental protections guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. These rights do not exist only during the work week, nor should they be limited by administrative convenience. Public spaces surrounding the seat of government are among the most appropriate and historically recognized forums for civic expression.

Just as importantly, Montana’s State Capitol is the people’s house. It belongs to the citizens of our state – farmers and ranchers, teachers, workers, business owners, students, and tribal members alike. Many Montanans live hours away from Helena and work full time during the week. For them, weekends are often the only practical opportunity to travel to the Capitol and gather with fellow citizens to make their voices heard. Eliminating weekend events effectively shuts many Montanans out of that opportunity.

Montana has long taken pride in its tradition of open government and robust public participation. Restricting the use of the Capitol grounds sends the wrong signal about the relationship between government and the people it serves. The Capitol grounds should remain a welcoming and accessible space where citizens can gather peacefully and engage in the democratic process.

We respectfully urge your administration to reconsider this decision and restore the longstanding practice of allowing permitted weekend events on the Capitol grounds. Doing so would reaffirm Montana’s commitment to constitutional freedoms and to the principle that the Capitol belongs to the people of Montana.