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Last summer, we saw the strength of our people power. 

John, our persistent, loud and clear voices, our presence in
the streets despite the global pandemic, and organizing efforts across the
country were instrumental in obtaining a modicum of accountability for
George Floyd.

But as the nation reacts to the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial,
34 states are introducing, and in several cases have passed, new punitive
anti-protest bills to strike down the very people power that got us
here.^1 

John, this is where you come in. We can’t let them silence us. 

[ [link removed] ]Sign our petition urging state governors to stand up and protect our
Constitutional right to protest. 

Last summer people came out in historic numbers as we saw a groundswell of
protest and actions in support of Black Lives.^2 And protests were
overwhelmingly peaceful. In fact, it was often the police and counter
protesters who were the instigators of any violence.^3 

As a result of our collective action against white supremacy and efforts
to end the police terror of Black communities, protesters are now facing
unprecedented backlash from Republican lawmakers. State lawmakers have
introduced 81 anti-protest bills during the 2021 legislative session —
more than twice as many proposals as in any other year.^4

They’re trying to take away our right to protest injustice, while granting
impunity to counter protesters who harm us. Take a look: 

* Republican legislators in Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa have already
passed bills to protect drivers who strike and injure protesters.^5 
* In Florida, ground zero for these bills, Governor Ron DeSantis signed
sweeping anti-protest legislation that includes preventing protestors
from being released on bail until they have appeared before a judge,
and increasing penalties for taking down monuments - making the
offense a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in
prison.^6 
* A proposal in Indiana would ban anyone convicted of unlawful assembly
from holding state employment, including elected office.^7
* In Minnesota, anyone convicted of unlawful protesting would not be
able to receive student loans, unemployment benefits or housing
assistance.^8 

And these are just some of the anti-protest bills up for consideration.
Other states with bills pending or approved
include: Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, North Dakota,
Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New
Hampshire, New York, Mississippi.

What we’ve learned over the past year is that police and prosecutors don’t
need more tools to abuse our constitutional rights. But, that’s exactly
what these laws would give them.

[ [link removed] ]Take action now and demand our state governors stop anti-protest laws. 

John, as we’ve seen throughout history, where protests
flourish, anti-protest laws follow.^9 

These bills are a direct reaction to our people power. They saw us take to
the streets, take care of each other, grow our community, and demand
accountability. 

And we won’t be stopped now. Keep using your voice to demand justice. 

[ [link removed] ]Add your name to our petition demanding these 34 state governors
protect our right to protest today. 

Until justice is real,

Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Malachi, Erika, Megan, Ernie, Palika, Madison,
Ariel, Trevor, Ana, McKayla, and the rest of the Color Of Change team.

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REFERENCES:

1. G.O.P. Anti-Protester Bills Include Immunity for Hitting Them With
Cars. (2021, April 21). New York Times.
[link removed]

2. Black Lives Matter May Be the Largest Movement in U.S. History. (2020,
July 3). New York Times.
[link removed]

3. This Summer’s Black Lives Matter Protests Were Overwhelmingly Peaceful,
Our Research Finds. (2020, October 16). Washington Post.
[link removed]

4. US Protest Law Tracker. (2021, April 22). International Center for
Nonprofit Law. [link removed] Urges Oregon
Lift Opposition to Retroactive Application of Racist Non-Unanimous Jury
Rule. (2021, March 30). Human Rights Watch.
[link removed]

5. State-level Republicans are making it easier to run over protesters.
(2021, April 25). Vox.
[link removed]

6. Florida Adopts Nation’s Toughest Restrictions On Protests. (2021, April
19). NPR.
[link removed]

7. 34 states considering anti-protest bills introduced by Republicans:
report. (2021, April 21). The Hill.
[link removed]

8. Proposed bill would make protesters convicted of an offense ineligible
for student loans. (2021, April 18). The Minnesota Daily.
[link removed]

9. Where Protests Flourish, Anti-Protest Bills Follow. (2017, February
17). ACLU.
[link removed]


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[ [link removed] ]Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Please
help keep our movement strong.

[ [link removed] ]Make a Donation

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