h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Galway City Council is planning on introducing new bylaws preventing things such as the following:
1)Gatherings. You will have to obtain a liscence to have a gathering, rally, etc. with more than 100 people and will only be allowed to have it in designated areas. The Irish Constitution specifically says that it is the right of every human being to preotes peacefully and without arms, and the new bylaws will prevent that.
2)Leaflets. It will be illegal to hand out leaflets, pamphlets, etc. in any form of protest, but this will not apply to election canvassing papers. eaflets are a vital part of the campaign process for organisatins without much funding, and opposition should not be limited to when there is a general election every six years or so. The UN constitution says it is the right of any individual to free speech and opinion, and these bylaws aim to crush this in Galway. I have signed a petition against them, but I really feel the government should get off their aseses and look into this.

Any idea why they might do this?

None whatsoever.