NEW YORK, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A New York State Supreme Court judge Wednesday ruled New York City can ban protesters from using Central Park for a Sunday political rally.
The big rally had been planned to coincide with the Republican National Convention, which starts Monday in New York City's Madison Square Garden, the New York Times reported.
Justice Jacqueline Silbermann ruled the protesters' group, United for Peace and Justice, is "guilty of inexcusable and inequitable delay" in bringing its case against the city.
The group sued to try to force the city to grant a permit to rally in the park after months of negotiation failed to produce an agreement on where the demonstration could be held.
"The Parks Department appropriately applied content-neutral regulations, while leaving plaintiff with a reasonable alternate site suitable with ample means of communication," the judge said.
A protest spokesperson said the group still planned to march up Seventh Avenue, past the convention site.
