(C) Daily Kos
This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered.
. . . . . . . . . .
Felonies For Peaceful Protest [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-04-29
I had read that 22 states had passed 41 new bills restricting protests. I decided to research which states had put restrictions on protesting. I found all of the laws on the International Center For Not-For-Profit Law (ICNL) site. I want to let people know that they should check their own states laws before protesting. I will let you know what I found (and it is very disturbing).
19 states have laws against protesting near pipelines and infrastructure. All of those laws make it a felony to protest on or near these places.
States with felonies for interference with traffic are:
FLA(HB/SB484), OKLA(HB1674), Tennessee(SB2570/HB2031), Illinois(HB2357), Iowa(SF342), MO(SB26), NJ(S834/A3489), NCAR(HB237)
States with Immunity For Drivers Who Hit Protesters are:
Iowa(SB342), Louis(HB383), Oklahoma(HB1674)
Many of these laws say that they are against “riots” but leave the definition of riot so confusing that they could be applied to peaceful protests. There are a number or states that make it against the law to wear masks or conceal your identity. Some states are going so far as to charging protesters for racketeering. RICO charges are serious offenses with serious penalties. Some states have made it illegal to protest near government buildings.
I hope that everyone checks their own state laws so that they can protest safely and securely.
I also wanted to share the ACLU’s rules for protesting:
Bring pen and paper. If stopped by police you have the right to remain silent and decline to answer questions. You don’t have to allow a search. You have the right to record events that are plainly visible I public places. Officers may not confiscate your photos or videos without a warrant, nor may they view or delete data. Remind them that recording is your 1st Amendment right. If your rights are violated get badge numbers and contact info from witnesses. File a complaint.
Please Protest! Please be careful! Please know your states laws.!
[END]
---
[1] Url:
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/4/29/2319505/-Felonies-For-Peaceful-Protest?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web
Published and (C) by Daily Kos
Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified.
via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/
