Bishop shouldn’t expect privacy in public

WISCONSIN
LaCrosse Tribune

Matt Johnson matt.johnson@lee.net

A Madison Catholic bishop left a speaking engagement at public venue on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s campus, Wednesday, Nov. 19, because a reporter in the audience refused to leave.

Bishop Robert Morlino had been invited by students to speak at the university’s Doudna Hall.

Morlino may have been distracted before the speech because he was confronted by a group of protesters who are unhappy with changes the Madison diocese has made with a Platteville parish.

Although faced by protestors, the bishop was speaking in a public place. He had no reasonable expectation of privacy. In fact, Morlino’s request that no photos or recordings be taken during his speech was improper.

Reporters should have access to public spaces during public events. They should be allowed to cover these events for the public.

Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.