GRAY – Who can be against civility? It turns out that a number of residents are against it, at least as envisioned by the Town Council. The critics are complaining that the council’s vote to establish new rules of “civility” during town meetings infringes on their freedom of speech.

They say the rules, which call for comments addressing the council to be “meaningful, focused and include no personal attacks,” are subjective and give the council too much power to limit public discourse.

The council, which voted 4-1 to adopt the rules, said the changes are simple standards of decorum to keep basic order.

But Barry A. Watson of Gray said the public should not be stifled at meetings, even if residents get a little carried away.

“When I get excited, my voice goes up,” he said. “I realize that the council may not like that, but that’s part of being in the position where they are at because if the public is upset over something they are doing, the public has a right to speak.”

Fran Monroe, a Gray resident and former councilor, agreed with Watson’s assessment and called the rules “insulting.”

The issue may be moot since Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz discovered a clause in the Town Council rules suggesting it takes a unanimous vote to change council meeting rules.

Members of the council have three options: challenge his interpretation of the clause, clarify the language of the clause or drop the issue and revert to the previously existing rules.

Council Chairwoman Pam Wilkinson said she is not sure what course the council will take. She said the council never had any intention of barring anyone from speaking or limiting public comments.