Padlocks, Rotten Eggs, Other Items Banned During G-20

Out of concern for protests during the G-20 summit, Pittsburgh City Council has passed a temporary law banning certain items that have been used by protesters to resist crowd control.

The ordinance, which passed Wednesday by an 8-1 vote, expires Sept. 30. It allows police to cite anyone possessing items including gas masks, padlocks, gasoline and rotten eggs, among other items, if the officer believes that person is planning to try to block public areas or resist crowd control.

Public Safety Director Michael Huss said the items on the list were chosen because they have been used by disruptive protesters at similar events in other cities.

Councilman William Peduto cast the lone vote against the ordinance. He said existing state laws are sufficient to deal with protesters. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV 09-16-09 2046EDT

On Tuesday, the City Council defeated a bill that would have banned masks during next week's G-20 summit.

VIDEO: Protesters Angered Over Proposed Ban

That means protesters have the green light to wear masks during the G-20.

Originally, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl had proposed a ban on masks if they were used with intent to commit a crime. The mayor felt masks would be OK if they were used peacefully.

Council voted 7-2 to defeat that proposal. Protesters came to council and applauded the decision.

Councilman Bruce Kraus spoke for the group and said "the word 'intent' bother them."

Tuesday morning, protesters rallied at the City County Building to voice their concerns over G-20 security.

Protesters planned Tuesday's rally in conjunction with President Barack Obama's visit to Pittsburgh. Obama is in town to give a speech at the AFL-CIO Convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.