(A) Recognition of rights. The City Council hereby finds and declares that it is the right of every person to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation and physical harm caused by the activities of violent groups and individuals. It is not the intent of this chapter to interfere with the exercise of the constitutionally protected rights of freedom of expression and association. The City Council hereby recognizes the constitutional right of every citizen to harbor and express beliefs on any lawful subject whatsoever, to lawfully associate with others who share similar beliefs, to petition lawfully constituted authority for a redress of perceived grievances and to participate in the electoral process.
(B) Intent of chapter; deterring activity. The City Council, however, further finds that a state of crises can readily be created by violent street gangs whose members threaten, terrorize and commit a multitude of crimes against the peaceful citizens of their neighborhoods. These activities, both individually and collectively, can present a clear and present danger to public order and safety and are not constitutionally protected. It is the intent of the City Council in enacting this chapter to deter and prevent criminal activity by street gangs by focusing upon patterns of criminal activity and upon the organized nature of street gangs, which together, are the chief source of terror created by street gangs. The City Council further finds that an effective means of punishing and deterring the criminal activities of street gangs is through forfeiture of the profits, proceeds and instrumentalities acquired, accumulated or used by street gangs.
(`67 Code, § 7-17-1) (Ord. 92-15, passed 10-12-92)