SHERWOOD, Ore. (KOIN) — The Sherwood City Council unanimously passed ordinances aimed at blocking residential protests Tuesday night following loud, late-night efforts by a group speaking out against a new animal research lab.
The group No New Animal Lab is protesting a new facility being built at the University of Washington. The group is targeting executives with Skanska, the company building the facility.
Protesters are targeting employees at their homes in the middle of the night, sometimes using bullhorns.
“There have been times when I’ve pulled into my house and I’ve been unable to get into my own driveway,” Trent Baugus, whose father Tim is a Skanska executive, said. “My sister and I have both had to wait in police cars, or in our own cars, across the street until the protesters leave because we are fearful of our safety.”
Many residents filed noise complaints, which forced city leaders to take their concerns to a Washington County judge. That judge ordered a temporary stop to protesters at homes, but No New Animal Lab claims that is unconstitutional.
The Sherwood City Council addressed the issue Tuesday night.
They unanimously passed residential targeted picketing and noise ordinances, meaning any loud, late-night protesters caught in the area will now face fines.
“Having that kind of turmoil in your neighborhood all the time, and then having to wonder every time you go to bed if they’re going to be there… It’s been a real challenge,” Tim Baugus said. “We’re excited that we’ve got some legal recourse now.”
Other cities across the U.S. have passed similar measured that have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
The Beaverton City Council will address the same issues later this month.
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