N.J. town withdraws controversial ordinance that would have made protesters pay fees

A proposed West Caldwell ordinance that would require demonstrators to pay to hold a protest, sparking backlash , has been withdrawn, officials said.

The Township Council voted unanimously to withdraw the ordinance from consideration during its Tuesday council meeting.

The vote came after numerous advocacy groups, including the ACLU – New Jersey and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, as well as local residents, publicly opposed the ordinance, with some calling the proposed legislation “unconstitutional.”

The ordinance , which was introduced last month, would have required organizers to apply for a permit from the township at least 30 days prior to holding a demonstration.

Organizers would have also had to agree in writing to reimburse “any reasonable and foreseeab