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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIn the fine print of a bill in NC is language that would criminalize acts of peaceful protest.
Every day, the repugs get more and more bold and crazy!
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Public News ServiceVerified account @PNS_News 15h15 hours ago
In the fine print of a bill in NC is language that would criminalize acts of peaceful protest. http://pnsne.ws/2lRPr5W
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The ACLU and others have taken the stance that bills such as HB 249 are attempts by lawmakers to discourage and intimidate voters from voicing their opposition to policies.
"There are already laws on the books that criminalize vandalism, that criminalize looting," explained Meno. "Law enforcement has the authority to carry out the law. It's always dangerous when we give power to the government to limit rights."
The legislation also would allow local governments to sue people convicted of riot, unlawful assembly or traffic-obstruction charges to recoup the cost of law enforcement. Gov. Roy Cooper has yet to issue a statement on whether he would sign or veto such a bill.
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Public News ServiceVerified account @PNS_News Mar 13
NC lawmakers attempt to limit protests and free speech. http://pnsne.ws/2lRPr5W
NC Lawmakers Attempt to Limit Protests, Free Speech
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2017-03-13/civic-engagement/nc-lawmakers-attempt-to-limit-protests-free-speech/a56814-1
RALEIGH, N. C. As historic numbers of North Carolina citizens are engaging in the political process, some state lawmakers are looking for ways to criminalize protesting.
House Bill 249, known as the "Economic Terrorism Bill," would outlaw acts of protest such as disrupting traffic or business, or taking part in actions that might intimidate law enforcement.
Similar legislation has been introduced in 16 other states. Mike Meno, communications director for the ACLU of North Carolina, says protecting First Amendment rights is not a partisan issue.
"That's something that should be concerning to all Americans, regardless of our politics," said Meno. "These are not only protected by the Constitution, but they're fundamental American values."
If the legislation passes, people who are found in violation of the law would face Class A-1 misdemeanor charges the category with the longest jail sentences...............................
dalton99a
(81,065 posts)This is a coordinated effort to silence dissent
Lanius
(599 posts)riversedge
(69,713 posts)Lanius
(599 posts)in broad daylight. No shame. Amazing. If the Democrats were doing this the right-wingers would be callling them anti-American.
OldHippieChick
(2,434 posts)Dem governor, but that won't save other states.
unc70
(6,094 posts)GOP has supermajorities in NC and can and often do override vetoes. They will do it with Cooper just as they with Repub McCory.
shraby
(21,946 posts)Article the third... Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,097 posts)If you prevent a president from appointing a SC justice who would uphold the constitution in favor of appointing one who wont, then you render the constitution itself meaningless.
Add to this the constitutional convention the Koch Bros will soon be able to hold, and you have the end, completely and forever, of the United States.
DK504
(3,847 posts)Trying to stop moral Monday's?
procon
(15,805 posts)Is it suddenly irrelevant in the age of Trump? These politicos think they can squash public descent so that their Orwellian-Libertarian-Fascist views will somehow become more palatable without criticisms. They're wrong. They can't stop what people think and they can't control social media.