There has been a growing interest in the criminalization of protest, in connection with Congress's consideration of HR 347, which amends current law relating to trespassing in federal buildings or areas under Secret Service control. Here is an explanation of the bill by the ACLU's Washington Legislative Office.
On Wednesday, I had a great discussion with Don Cookson and Pat LaMarche on the Pulse Morning Show on restrictions on public demonstrations and free speech. The real concern with laws like this is in the implementation. The Police in Portland, Maine showed that protesters can be treated with respect, and I know that the Occupy Maine group in Lincoln Park appreciated it. But on the other end of the spectrum, police at U.C. Davis pepper sprayed a group of protesters sitting peacefully on the ground. Not appreciated--in fact, the police officers involved have just been sued by the students. At the ACLU, we continue to do everything we can to ensure that protesters have access to public spaces and that they receive fair treatment from the police while they are there.
