John, 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.1 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! Thirteen of those bills have been passed,2 and in 2022 already, several bills have been newly introduced or re-introduced.3
Some of the anti-protest laws proposed and passed actually grant immunity to drivers who run into protesters with their cars or use force against a protester like Kyle Rittenhouse did! This is reminiscent of state-sanctioned white mob violence of the post-Reconstruction era.
But John, 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.
Join us in demanding the Department of Justice defends our Constitutional right to protest.
sign the petition
John, these laws, often backed by organizations affiliated with police unions, 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.4 In fact, police unions have advocated for anti-protest bills in 14 states, and bills proposed in at least 9 states include sponsorship from current or former law enforcement officers.5
Here’s just a sampling of some of what we’re up against:
- Several laws include provisions that would strip people of public benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and unemployment benefits, if they are convicted.6 These laws are trying to punish people by taking away their ability to feed and house their families!
- A Tennessee law would make it a felony for demonstrators to camp at the state Capitol. The result? People would lose their right to vote.7
- In Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa, laws grant immunity to drivers who run into protesters with their cars.8
- A proposed bill in Indiana would ban anyone who was convicted from getting a state job or running for elected office.9
- 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. This is of extra concern following the Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty verdict, which has already emboldened others to violate protestors with impunity.
John, the Department of Justice has the power to make an impact by condemning these laws and supporting legal and advocacy efforts to fight them.
demand the doj defend our right to protest!
John, many of these anti-protest laws also undermine our collective struggle for Black freedom by denying bail to those arrested until their first court appearance. This ensures more of our people are in jail.
As history has shown us, where racial justice protests flourish, anti-protest laws follow.10
It’s time we break the cycle of silencing and criminalization by demanding the Department of Justice fight for our right to protest.
It is our right to protest racial injustice!
Until Justice is Real,
Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Malachi, Megan, Ernie, Palika, Ariel, Madison, Trevor, Erick, Ana, Kristiana, McKayla and the Color Of Change team
REFERENCES:
1. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/255698?t=9&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
2. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/347481?t=11&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
3. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/307690?t=13&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
4. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/347482?t=15&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
5. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/347483?t=17&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
6. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/347484?t=19&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
7. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/347485?t=21&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
8. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/302416?t=23&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
9. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/302416?t=25&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
10. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/347486?t=27&akid=52905%2E4731121%2ExdKtY-
