Congressman Cohen State and Senator Akbari Condemn Anti-Protest Law

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and State Senator Raumesh Akbari (District 29) today condemned a bill signed into law last week that makes it a felony to protest on the grounds of the state Capitol. The measure also imposes mandatory minimum jail sentences for assaulting a first responder or participating in a riot. It also enhances penalties for vandalism of government property.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"The bill Governor Lee signed into law last week is misguided in its intent and wrongheaded as a matter of law. Taxpayers should realize that it is also wasteful since it will inevitably be overturned in the courts as soon as it is challenged because it violates the First Amendment right for citizens to assemble and petition their government for a redress of grievances. This heavy-handed assault on American values is yet another embarrassment for our state, and a draconian effort to silence legitimate dissent."

Senator Akbari made the following statement:

"Our country was built on the foundation of peaceful protest; a law like this squashes that right. As I stated on the Senate floor, legislation like this would have made Rep. John Lewis and Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. convicted felons. We serve the people and should hear from the people. This is ridiculous."

Congressman Cohen is Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Senator Akbari is chairwoman of the Senate Democratic caucus.