The Buzz: SC’s search for a First Amendment fix

If the feds can regulate rallies at the U.S. Capitol, South Carolina can do the same here, says state Sen. Harvey Peeler, who never wants the Ku Klux Klan and the New Black Panther Party to cross paths again on State House grounds, as they did July 18.

“Common sense is needed in determining the who, when and where for demonstration activity,” Peeler said, adding that he will introduce legislation to model State House policies after those in place at the U.S. Capitol.

In Washington, there are designated demonstration zones at the Capitol, aimed at ensuring public safety and avoiding disruption of government business.

But if Peeler wants to prevent a repeat of the dueling “white power” and “black power” rallies at the State House, he may need to look for policies more restrictive than those at the nation’s Capitol.

A call to the U.S. Capitol Police casts into doubt just how much the feds control, as Peeler suggested, “the who, when and where” of demonstrations.

Here’s how the feds handle rallies, according to an officer who works in the special-events department:

▪  Groups of 20 or more are supposed to apply for a permit. But if they show up without one, police try to accommodate them anyway.

▪  If groups want to reserve demonstration space side by side – same time, same day – they can do so if the space is available and is large enough. Police do not barricade any groups in or out of an area. Demonstration zones – including who comes and goes – are fluid spaces.

▪  And the kicker: All demonstrations, regardless of their cause, are welcome as long as protesters do not break the law.

Last week, S.C. lawmakers called a meeting to discuss ways to avoid having groups like the KKK and New Black Panthers demonstrating on the same day again. But Brett Bursey, an activist with the S.C. Progressive Network, warned lawmakers that regulating demonstrations could backfire.

“Now, wait a minute now!” cut in Peeler, a dairy farmer, bristling at the “lactose intolerant” notion.

Anti-abortion activists eye state budget brawl

A national push to investigate claims that Planned Parenthood harvests fetal organs for profit is spilling into the Palmetto State, raising questions about whether state dollars pay for abortion services.

In a Monday letter, state Rep. Garry Smith, R-Greenville, asked the S.C. Legislative Audit Council to investigate how much state money goes to Planned Parenthood.

Smith also asked whether the Medical University of South Carolina, which receives state money, “uses harvest(ed) fetal organs for research and if so, what is the source of its fetal organs.”

MUSC spokeswoman Heather Woolwine had a simple answer: “No ... That's not a practice that we have ever participated in or will ever participate in.”

The calls for a state probe into Planned Parenthood follow similar efforts in the U.S. Congress that erupted after videos, released by an anti-abortion group, showed Planned Parenthood officials talking about harvesting and selling fetal tissue for research.

Jenny Black, chief executive of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said the videos are highly edited, “widely discredited and fraudulent. She called calling them a “smear campaign” of “harassment by extremists whose focus is banning abortion and preventing women from accessing vital health care services at Planned Parenthood health centers.”

The nonprofit’s two S.C. health clinics, including one that performs elective abortions, receive no state or federal budget appropriations, but do receive some Medicaid reimbursements. Those payments cannot be used for elective abortions, a spokesperson said.

Smith and 25 other House Republicans requested the Audit Council review. The council’s leadership will decide whether to move forward.

Regardless of what an audit finds, Smith said he plans to introduce legislation that would ban fetal remains from being “harvested” for research. “They should not expect their organs to be harvested for, quote, scientific reasons,” he said.

2016 in S.C.

Martin O’Malley: The former Maryland governor will make his first Palmetto State campaign stop Tuesday since he declared himself a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. O’Malley will speak in Columbia to the 20/20 Leaders of America at 9:30 a.m. and leaders of historically black colleges and universities at 1:15 p.m.

Lindsey Graham: On Thursday, GOP candidates who do not meet the Top-10 polling criteria for the 9 p.m. prime-time debate on Fox News Channel can participate in a 5 p.m. forum on the network. That likely will include the Seneca Republican.

Carly Fiorina: The former Hewlett Packard executive will have a campaign event at 1 p.m. next Sunday at Tommy’s Ham House in Greenville.