ST. PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House was debating the Omnibus Public Safety Bill, containing a number of controversial provisions, including one increasing criminal penalties for Minnesotans who participate in protests.
State Rep. John Lesch (DFL – St. Paul) released the following statement:
“Forcing fundamental changes in our government and correcting certain injustices requires citizens to have their voices heard. Often, collective actions by groups with a common grievance are the only ways for this to happen. Yes, sometimes, this causes inconvenience for others.
“There are plenty of laws on the books already that can be used to prosecute those who cross the line. The increased criminal penalties in this bill do nothing more than misguidedly intimidate Minnesotans from exercising their rights to free speech and assembly under the first amendment.
“From the Boston Tea Party, the Selma to Montgomery marches, and many others, protest has played a necessary role for our republic to function. The Legislature shouldn’t be in the business of telling its citizens that their voices shouldn’t be heard. To do so would be un-America.”
Rep. Lesch is the lead DFL member of the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee. He represents the Como Park, North End, East Side and Hamline-Midway neighborhoods in St. Paul at the Capitol.