ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today the Minnesota House considered two Republican-sponsored finance bills: Public Safety, and a combined Health and Human Services and Transportation bill. The Public Safety bill contained provisions, similar to those which passed the House floor last year but weren’t signed into law, which increase penalties for Minnesotans who participate in peaceful protest. A Republican amendment was added during the Health and Human Services and Transportation bill to create “guilt by association” for protestors and those who merely associate with those who trespass on or damage critical infrastructure.
State Rep. John Lesch (DFL – St. Paul) issued the following statement:
“The United States Constitution provides all Americans the right to assemble, protest, and petition their government and as someone who has served as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, the measures trouble me. But aside from the criminal penalties contained in these bills, the spirit of this type of legislation alone should greatly concern everyone.
“Again and again, House Republicans bring forward measures like this which target those with whom they disagree, and seek to divide Minnesotans. If enacted, these provisions would carry a chilling effect on the future free speech rights of our citizens, and is enough reason for me to oppose them.”