The NH Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A) is clear: Attendees have the explicit RIGHT to audiotape, videotape, or photograph ANY public meeting, including the attendees and officials, without exception. The MERE ACT of exercising this “right to record” CANNOT be considered a ‘disruption’. (A disruption would be more like yelling or throwing chairs)
If this moderator did not want his photograph taken specifically, he had the right to leave the room. He did NOT have ANY right to call a ‘vote’ to give special rights to the press and none to the citizens. Members of the press get NO preferential treatment, and under the RTK law, EVERYONE is considered to be ‘the press’.
The rest of the attendees should also be held accountable since they participated in what we are sure will be determined an illegal vote.
This moderator is clearly out of line in our opinion and should be made to step down from his position for this blatant violation and for attempting to determine ‘rights for some, but not for others’. Watch the videos and see for yourself.
Direct link: https://youtu.be/ZWnBTYrNn6w
Direct link: https://youtu.be/NThmnxfPIRw
Direct link: https://youtu.be/IbPmJl9aoTE
The law under RSA 91-A states:
II. Subject to the provisions of RSA 91-A:3, all meetings, whether held in person, by means of telephone or electronic communication, or in any other manner, shall be open to the public. Except for town meetings, school district meetings, and elections, no vote while in open session may be taken by secret ballot. Any person shall be permitted to use recording devices, including, but not limited to, tape recorders, cameras, and videotape equipment, at such meetings.
See the Lawsuit Against Atkinson that has been filed claiming that rights were violated when citizens were pressured to take their names off petitions.