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Friend,
On January 20, 2016, hundreds of people were arrested while protesting Donald Trump’s inauguration. Since then, we’ve seen increasing efforts around the country to restrict protest rights. More than 35 states have introduced legislation that would limit demonstrations and could discourage would-be protesters.
The question now stands: will the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) limit the First Amendment rights of protesters at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions this summer?
Join PEN America and our partners in calling on the U.S. Secret Service to refrain from limiting protest rights during the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
According to press reports, both Milwaukee, WI (home of the 2020 DNC) and Charlotte, NC (home of the 2020 RNC) have been less than transparent in their preparations. Milwaukee has not issued any permits for protests at the July 13-15 DNC. Protest organizers have said that they filed a permit almost a year ago, and have yet to hear back [1]. And Charlotte has yet to announce a plan for protests and demonstrations at the August 24-26 RNC, “not sharing even the most basic details of how it’s preparing for this massive event” [2]. Peaceful protests and counter demonstrations at both conventions are to be expected and are protected under the First Amendment. Any lawful efforts to assemble should be permitted by law enforcement.
It is critical that the First Amendment rights of protesters at both conventions are protected, and significant delay in responding to permit requests disrupts the public’s right to lawfully organize. The U.S. Secret Service is designated as the agency in charge of security at the two conventions. As such, local authorities defer to the Secret Service when approving or denying permit applications.
Sign the petition today to the U.S. Secret Service to refrain from infringing on the First Amendment rights of protesters at the DNC and RNC this summer.
Peaceful protest and dissent are protected First Amendment rights. Join PEN America and our allies in demanding the U.S. Secret Service uphold those rights.
Thank you,
Nora Benavidez
Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs
PEN America
[1] “Wisconsin group demands permit to protest at DNC” WISN, Jan. 27, 2020
[2] “Charlotte prepares for RNC but won’t share details showing how” WBTV, Jan. 14, 2020
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