Senates gives initial backing to limits on neighborhood protests

DENVER - A bill limiting neighborhood protests has passed its first test in the state Senate.

It would require that protesters have to keep walking along a route about 300 feet long. They wouldn't be able to camp out in front of a house and wouldn't be able to carry signs larger than 6 square feet.

Since last fall, anti-abortion activists have been protesting outside the homes of construction executives and subcontractors building a new Planned Parenthood clinic in Denver. The bill would apply to them but Sen. Steve Ward of Littleton says he didn't introduce the bill in response to them. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Williams of Aurora.

If the bill passes another vote in the Senate, it will be sent to the House for consideration.