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Opinion | Proposed bill shows disgust for those who find it necessary to take to the streets to demand equal justice | Otis Sanford

Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on a bill making it a felony for protesters to obstruct a roadway in Tennessee.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Just when you thought the Tennessee legislature could not get any worse in failing to Protect First Amendment rights, along comes another proposal aimed at stifling free speech and freedom of assembly.

A bill being pushed by Republicans in both the state House and Senate would make it a felony for protesters to obstruct a highway or street – even a sidewalk or hallway. The bill also grants immunity to a motorist who unintentionally kills or hurts someone blocking a road during a protest.

It’s easy to see what this proposal is designed to do – to shutdown gatherings that these lawmakers don’t like – which usually are protests against police brutality or against the legislators themselves. It’s already against the law to obstruct streets and roadways, but the charge is merely a misdemeanor – which is what it should be. But this bill would make it a felony carrying a mandatory $3,000 fine, prison time, and loss of voting rights.

It is scheduled for discussion Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sponsors claim the bill would protect law and order. But really, it’s just another example of GOP legislators thumbing their noses at the First Amendment – and showing disgust for those who find it necessary to take to the streets to demand equal justice. Talk about cancel culture.

I sincerely hope there are enough lawmakers in Nashville willing to say this bill goes too far. And that’s my point of view.

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