In the Trump era, the push to intimidate protestors and stop political demonstration is at a fever pitch.
In Nashville, a state representative wants to protect drivers should they strike a protestor who is blocking a roadway. In Washington state, a pro-Trump legislator plans to charge striking workers and boycott organizers with "economic terrorism."
These horrifying assaults on free speech are cropping up in various forms across the nation. They will have a chilling effect on activism in the United States, unless we help stop it.
Show legislators that we will not be silenced. Sign the petition and insist that government officials fight to protect the First Amendment and the right of Americans to peacefully assemble.
In North Dakota, protests against the Dakota Access pipeline mobilized unprecedented numbers of protestors. Instead of compassion for the Native people whose quality of life is at risk, law enforcement callously complained that it cost taxpayers extra money for additional police presence. They are now battling to criminalize protests.
In North Carolina a bill was just introduced to create felony charges for anyone who coordinates the public to disrupt business in any way -- that means boycott and strike organizers could go to jail for up to two years.
This is unacceptable. Legislators need to know that we are watching and that we won't settle for our first amendment rights getting rolled back in any way.
Sign the petition and demand that government officials reject tyranny. Protect citizens rights to free speech and protest.
More information
The New York Times. 2 March 2017.