Measure Tabled Over Unions' Free-Speech Concerns From: The Washington Post | Date: February 20, 2008| Author: Nikita Stewart - Washington Post Staff Writer | Copyright 2008 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post.Copyright information

Union activists persuaded a narrow majority of D.C. Council members yesterday to table a bill initially aimed at quieting street preachers on H Street NE after the protesters said it would limit free speech.

In a 7 to 5 vote, the D.C. Council delayed the Noise Control Protection Amendment Act of 2008, which would restrict noncommercial public speech during the day to no greater than 70 decibels. The legislation originated in response to some H Street residents' complaints about the amp...