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From Color of Change
Our right to protest is under threat.
It’s been nearly two years since millions of people around the world took to the streets in historic numbers for what became the longest, largest, and most sustained movement to stand up for Black lives. Our persistent, loud and clear voices, as well as organizing efforts were instrumental in obtaining a modicum of accountability for George Floyd.
Since then there have been over 100 anti-protest bills proposed across the country. And in 2022 already, several bills have been newly introduced or re-introduced from the previous legislative session.
Here’s just a sampling of some of what we’re up against:
Several proposals being introduced include provisions that would strip people of public benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and unemployment benefits, if they are convicted. This means people will have to weigh protesting against the risk of arrest and losing the ability to receive state benefits like health, housing, and more.
A Tennessee law would make it a felony for demonstrators to camp at the state Capitol. The result? People convicted of protesting would lose their right to vote.
In Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa, laws grant immunity to drivers who run into protesters with their cars.
A proposal in Indiana would ban anyone convicted from getting a state job or running for elected office.
And laws in states like Georgia include provisions that would create civil immunity for a “volunteer” who uses or threatens to use force against a protester.
These laws are an attempt to criminalize free speech, punish those who speak up for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and offer specific protections for counter-protesters who harm us.
We cannot be stopped and we cannot be silenced. From the March on Washington to the Black Lives Matter movement, civil unrest and protest are essential tools for our freedom and we will fight to protect them.
The Department of Justice has the power to make an impact by condemning these laws and supporting legal and advocacy efforts to fight them.
Join us in urging the Department of Justice to defend our Constitutional right to protest.
Sign the petition here: https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/demand_DOJ_defends_protest/?source=pm_stage4_random_52916_link1&t=4&akid=52916%2E11519298%2Eiuztl2
I completely agree, Vicente!
Can´t believe they are actually passing these bills. Protesting is part of free speech, they shouldn´t be silencing the people. Also, "In Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa, laws grant immunity to drivers who run into protesters with their cars.", it is a terrible bill.