Minneapolis NAACP Condemns Controversial Protest Bill

On Tuesday, Minnesota House Republicans introduced House File 322, a bill that would allow local police departments to charge protesters for the costs resulting from demonstrations, including police overtime. The Minneapolis NAACP urged Minnesotans to attend Tuesday’s hearing, where angry protesters forced a Minnesota House committee to recess after passing the bill.

"The Minneapolis NAACP unequivocally condemns and opposes HF322 because it would infringe on constitutionally protected rights to free speech and assembly," read a statement from the local chapter. "The burdens of these restrictions would be disproportionately borne by people least able to pay large settlements."

Among those shouting at lawmakers Tuesday was John Thompson, a friend of Philando Castile, WCCO reported.

"Shame on you," Thompson yelled at lawmakers. "You should leave, because those seats you’re sitting in will be replaced by somebody who represents us."

The NAACP said HF322 "would give police departments a blank check to overreact to public protests. It would also provide an incentive to categorize peaceful demonstrations as 'unlawful assemblies' and to charge as many people and collect as much money as possible."

"This bill, along with other companion legislation increasing protest criminal penalties, is the shameful Republican response to the Black Lives Matter movement in Minnesota. Our state is facing racial disparities that are among the worst in the nation in areas including income, education, health care, and policing. Rather than address these injustices, Republican politicians are seeking to stifle the protests that bring critically needed attention. We must stand up for free speech and the right to protest in Minnesota."

The bill was introduced by Minnesota Republican Rep. Nick Zerwas, who represents the Elk River area, following a year when protesters shut down Interstate 94 and Interstate 35W, among other roadways."If you violate the law, if you block traffic, if you block access to a building, that’s what this bill is for,” Zerwas told WCCO.

Image via Fibonacci Blue, Flickr, used under Creative Commons