Protesting is a fundamental expression of democracy. But our right to freedom of expression is under attack by a few politicians in the Ohio General Assembly.
We're fighting against two key attacks on our rights -- House Bill 109 and Senate Bill 185.
House Bill 109 would change five key things here in Ohio:
- Makes it a first degree misdemeanor for protestors who block roads, sidewalks, or other public and/or private property
- Makes it a second degree felony for individuals who organize or provide other active support for protests
- Organizations who provide active support or resources to a demonstration or protest connected with loss of property or harm to a police officer will be liable for triple the damages caused
- Creates a new offense of “riot assault” which makes it between a third to fifth degree felony to engage in a “riot” and recklessly cause physical harm to another person
- Creates new offense of “riot vandalism” which makes it between a third to fifth degree felony to engage in a “riot” and recklessly cause physical harm to various kinds of property
Sign the petition and stand with us opposing House Bill 109.
Senate Bill 185 would remove protections for protestors and allow vigilantism to run rampant:
- Makes deadly weapons or firearms businesses and services as "essential" during an emergency
- Prohibits law enforcement from stopping citizens with firearms from entering cordoned off areas during a "mob or riot" or "suspected mob or riot"
- Allows citizens to sue if police infringe on their rights to firearms during civil unrest, when families can't sue police when their loved one is murdered by an officer
We need your help!
Sign up for our action alerts and submit testimony opposing these bills.