LARENCORE: U.S (Color Of Change) : PROTECT PROTEST now !!

vendredi 8 avril 2022

U.S (Color Of Change) : PROTECT PROTEST now !!

Dear friend, we're re-upping this campaign in your inbox because as legislative sessions across the country come to an end, dangerous anti-protest bills are still being introduced and passed every day !

This is our last chance till the fall to defend our right to protest racial injustice. From the March on Washington to the Black Lives Matter movement, protest is an essential tool for our freedom and we will fight to protect it.

The Department of Justice has the power to make an impact by condemning these laws and supporting legal and advocacy efforts to fight them. Join us in demanding the Department of Justice defends our Constitutional right to protest.

PROTECT PROTEST NOW!

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 !²

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 how Kyle Rittenhouse did !³

DEMAND THE DOJ DEFEND OUR RIGHT TO PROTEST!

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.