Artists fight for free speech at a cradle of US independence

Boston is considering a crackdown on street performers including breakdancers and bucket drummers in front of one of its most historic tourist sites.

City officials might impose a permitting system for street performers citywide in response to complaints about the dancers and drummers in front of Faneuil (FAN’-yuhl) Hall, where American colonists began the earliest calls for revolt against England. They accuse the performers of using inappropriate language, playing loud music, aggressively soliciting donations and bullying other performers out of the high-traffic area.

Break dancers including Universal Fair say they’re being unfairly singled out. The non-profit arts group Community Arts Advocates says imposing a citywide system isn’t needed and could infringe on artists’ free speech.

City officials say they aren’t looking to trample on constitutional rights but oversight is needed.