CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The home for this summer's Democratic National Convention is banning camping without permission on all county-owned property.
Mecklenburg County commissioners have voted 7-0 to extend the prohibition against camping at park and recreation sites to cover all county properties. The move is in part to prevent expected protesters from setting up tents during the political convention in September.
Opponents of the county ordinance told commissioners they were concerned that the ban would allow police officers to selectively enforce the law.
Commissioner Bill James said Tuesday the months-long Occupy Charlotte encampment on the old City Hall lawn demonstrated the need for the law.
Charlotte City Council last month banned camping on its property as part of a series of ordinances to control demonstrations.
