Provo city is telling people who want to protest when the vice president visits this month to remember city and state laws and not disrupt others. The advisory comes in response to interest by several groups who want to hold rallies when Dick Cheney speaks at Brigham Young University on April 26.

The city advisory states that Provo supports First Amendment rights, but wants protests to be lawful:

"We support free expression and political debate, and welcome the free exchange of ideas. In order to respect and protect the rights of all citizens to express their opinions in the public forum, Provo City leaders encourage conduct that supports civil, peaceful discourse."

Provo spokeswoman Raylene Ireland said the city released the statement because several people and groups had contacted the city wanting to rally or protest the day Cheney's in town.

Ireland said protest restrictions aren't meant to inhibit rights, but to protect the rights of others.

"That is simply what is required for a lawful assembly." Ireland said.

Wayne Parker, Provo's chief administrative officer, said the restrictions don't affect what people can say.

"None of our regulations restrict content at all. The content is free and open."

Parker said most groups have only expressed interest. He said the only group that has confirmed with the city that they are planning something is We the People for Peace and Justice.

The Utah County Republicans are planning a rally, and they have invited everyone who wants to come. County party chairwoman Marian Monnahan said the details haven't been ironed out yet, but should be available next week. The group has not verified plans with the city.

The BYU College Democrats are also planning to protest, but their gathering will be on the university's property. The university has granted permission for the protest.

Parker said city permits are only needed if the gathering is going to be at city facilities, include more than 300 people, or last more than 18 hours. If a gathering is going to block a street, a permit must be obtained from the police department. But because graduation day is a heavy traffic day, that permit might not be granted.

To obtain a permit to use a public facility, call 852-6000. For a permit to block a street, contact the police department at 852-6210.

The Provo advisory is available online at www.provo.org/displayarticle86.html and at city hall.

Provo advisory:

1. Rally participants may not enter onto private property without the permission of the property owner. (Provo City Code Section 9.14.110)

2. Participants may not interfere with pedestrians or vehicular traffic. If people do not stop to listen, protesters and demonstrators may not insist that they do so. (Provo City Code Chapter 9.15)

3. Participants may not obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles or block any driveway, entrance or exit. (Provo City Code Chapter 9.15)

4. If the gathering anticipates closing public access to a street or sidewalk, the city requires an Outside Event Permit for which organizers may apply at the Provo Police Department.

5. If organizers are anticipating more than 300 participants for the event, state law requires that organizers consult the Utah County Health Department. They may require organizers to secure a Mass Gathering Permit or a Large Public Assembly license under Utah County ordinance Article 13.4. Some large public assemblies may also require a city license depending on the duration of the event and the anticipated number of participants. (Provo City Code Chapter 6.20)

6. If an event is to take place in a city park, participants should be aware that park facilities are available for reservation only between May 1 and Oct. 1 of each year. If the planned event is within those times, park facilities may have already been reserved. If the event is outside of those times, parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis only, and no park facilities such as restrooms, water and electricity are available.

7. Many city parks are adjacent to public schools and neighborhoods. Those participating in protests and demonstrations should work to minimize any impact on schools or neighboring residences.

8. Whether the areas impacted by a rally, protest, demonstration or march are on public or private property, organizers and participants are responsible for leaving those areas clean and for removing all signs, sticks, leaflets or candles. (Provo City Code Chapter 9.13)

9. All participants must abide by all pertinent local, state and federal ordinances and laws while conducting the rally event, including Provo's noise ordinance (Provo City Code Sections 9.06.010 through 9.06.030 ), Park Use Regulations (Provo City Code 9.19.010 to 9.19.120), and regulations related to disturbances at public schools (Provo City Code 9.21.040) and all should cooperate with law enforcement personnel in securing everyone's safety.