Steve2 the jw's were recently in an enclosed mall near my home in Ontario, CA. The scientilogists had a kiosk full of their books inside the Glendale, CA mall. It is my right as a customer to bring attention to the objectionable nature of the groups pitching their beliefs at the public.
I speak from the vantage of New Zealand city ordinance law which actually would ban any kind of cart or desk "work" inside shopping malls. So I do not disagree. The point of disagreement is regarding what happens in "public spaces" outside the malls.
Would you feel the same of the KKK, Jones's, heavens gate or any other dangerous cult political or otherwise, were utilizing your public or private spaces to recruit innocent passersby?
If they are not legally banned groups (e.g., supportive of pedophilia or selling porn in public space) I may not feel the same way about seeing them in public but my feelings have little to do with it. In the case of KKK, I would be guided by overall public sentiments.
Steve2 wrote: Locally, members of the public cannot oppose public spaces being used by individuals or groups who operate within the law UNLESS those individuals or groups violate any by-laws..
Fisherman asked: Why not?
My wording could be improved. Members of the public have a right to object by writing to the local city authorities but the city authorities obviously have the final say.