NEW YORK, Aug 18 (AFP) - An organization representing groups protesting the US-led war in Iraq filed suit Wednesday against New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for being denied access to the city's Central Park in late August during the Republican National Convention.
The suit, filed in New York state Supreme Court by a group called United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), names Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, the Parks Commissioner and the city of New York as defendants.
"Central Park is not just the crown jewel of New York City, it's also our town's common," UFPJ spokesman Bill Dobbs told AFP Wednesday.
In Manhattan "every square inch has got a building on it," he said, adding that the group had a right "to exercise our right to assemble, our freedom of speech."
"There have been other events on the lawn. Why not us?" he asked.
The group has called for a protest on August 29, hoping to have 250,000 demonstrators on the eve of the opening of the Republican National Convention -- the event that will make official George W. Bush's candidacy for the November 2 presidential vote.
Protest groups and city officials have been squabbling for months over protest permits, with each side accusing the other of intransigence and acting in bad faith.
Authorities gave UFPJ permission to march along Madison Square Garden, the sports arena in which the convention will take place.
But the two sides disagree over where the protest will culminate.
Rally organizers accepted last month a police proposal to gather on a west Manhattan highway, but they later changed their minds, saying the site would create logistical problems.
On Tuesday, Bloomberg made a special offer to demonstrators: anyone wearing a specially-made "peaceful political activist" button will receive discounts on hotels, restaurants, stores and cultural centers that have partnerships with the city.
"Later this month, thousands of our fellow Americans will be coming to New York City to exercise their lawful right to protest during the convention," Bloomberg said in announcing the "protester visitor program."
"We want the many thousands of protesters to feel welcome and take advantage of all New York City has to offer," he added.
Michael O'Neal, the owner of several New York cafes, was ready to welcome demonstrators with their views and their money with open arms.
"We in New York have always welcomed various groups of people to freely express opinions on any matter at any time," O'Neal said. "Whether you come to protest or just to be seen as a statement, please bring your credit cards as well as your placards."
UFPJ's Dobbs had more than savings in mind.
"Discounts are nice," Dobbs said. "Constitutional rights are better."