Pubdate: Tue, 12 Mar 2013 Source: Langley Advance (CN BC) Copyright: 2013 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.langleyadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248 Author: Matthew Claxton Cited: Sensible BC: http://www.sensiblebc.ca POT TALK A GO AT CIVIC FACILITY Langley Township had to change course after denying permission for a pro-pot group to meet A forum on marijuana legalization is back on at Langley Township's civic facility, after initially being blocked for being "illegal." Sensible BC is a campaign to decriminalize marijuana, similar to movements that have recently seen recreational use legalized in Washington State and Colorado. The group is setting up public forums around the Lower Mainland, and planned to schedule one in Langley for around March 20. However, when the group contacted the Township about using its council chambers to host an event, it was sent a terse denial. "Regarding your request, The Township will not be able to provide space for this event as it would involve the use of a Township facility to advocate for what at this time is an illegal activity," said the message from a staff member. Sensible BC director Dana Larsen, a longtime advocate of decriminalizing marijuana, contacted the Langley Advance about the issue. "This kind of ideological censorship is simply not acceptable in a democratic society," said Larsen in a statement. "The Township of Langley cannot deny public facilities to a group because of their political advocacy. We are advocating to change the law, not to break it." The decision was reversed after Sensible BC complained to senior Township officials. Mayor Jack Froese said it was a misunderstanding by one staff member. "They didn't understand what the purpose was," Froese said. "I think that staff member was acting in good faith," he added. Sensible BC is now hosting forums in Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam and Burnaby this month, but its website does not show a listing for a Langley event. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom