PA Reps Propose Ban On 'Seditious Individuals' Holding Public Offices

PHILADELPHIA — On the heels of the federal government brining seditious conspiracy charges against members of the Proud Boys, and as the House select committee investigates the Jan. 6, 2021 incident at the United States Capitol, two Philadelphia-based state reps are looking to ban anyone convicted of seditious conspiracy against the United States from holding public office in Pennsylvania.

State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Chris Rabb, both D-Philadelphia, introduced two pieces of legislation that would ban sedition amongst elected officials in Pennsylvania.

The first piece of legislation is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Pennsylvania which would prohibit any person convicted of seditious conspiracy against the United States from being eligible for elected office in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, the law would also remove civil officers upon conviction of seditious conspiracy against the United States.

The second piece of legislation would create a new offense and assess penalties under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code for seditious conspiracy against the state.

"Misinformation has serious and dangerous consequences. Last year we saw thousands of seditionists storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. because they were told the 2020 presidential election was stolen," Kenyatta said. "We cannot allow individuals who’ve engaged in seditious violence against our state and country to be in positions of public trust."

"The misinformation that is being spread by far-right Republicans is radicalizing people to commit seditious acts of violence and treason," Rabb said. "To ensure these radical acts of violence do not continue to occur, there need to be consequences for elected officials who spread misinformation."

Federal authorities charged Proud Boys national chairman Henry "Enrique" Tarrio and Philadelphia Proud Boy chapter president Zachary Rehl, as well as several other Proud Boy leaders, with seditious conspiracy.

Authorities allege the defendants planned and helped execute some of the actions that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021 at the Capitol.

Hearings related to the Jan. 6 incident are also ongoing in Washington.