Thomas Mestnik of Recreate 68, which plans at least five marches during convention week, said free speech means a group can be within sight and sound of where it wants its message to be delivered.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and more than a dozen advocacy groups argue in the suit against Denver and the Secret Service that the parade route and demonstration zone mapped out by the city keep protesters from being seen or heard by delegates entering the Pepsi Center, where the convention begins Aug. 25.
Denver's plan would allow protesters to get as close as a parking lot on the Pepsi Center's grounds during the first three days of the convention and they would have to leave by 3 p.m., about the time delegates are expected to begin arriving each day.
The last day of the convention will be held at Invesco Field. A hearing on a plan to keep protesters at the stadium property's border will be held Aug. 12.
In court Tuesday, Recreate 68 co-founder Mark Cohen said visual images captured by the media during the marches would not display protesters in relationship to the Pepsi Center.
"There will be no visual connection between the parade and the Pepsi Center, making it appear we would be marching with no purpose in mind," he said.
Tent State University, which says ending the Iraq war would allow for better funding of education, also plans to march during the DNC. It hopes to start its march near the Pepsi Center as opposed to ending there, as the city's route outlines, because Tent State members would like to symbolically turn their backs on the Democratic Party.
Joanna Pease of Tent State University said the party's leaders are not listening to the youth of America.
The Secret Service was testifying Tuesday afternoon.
