St. Paul, Minn.- Today, House Republicans voted to advance a bill heard in the Public Safety Committee that would increase criminal penalties for Minnesotans exercising First Amendment civil rights. The bill is authored by Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River), and would fine protestors up to $3,000 or imprison them for up to a year. Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
“This legislation is yet another way for Republicans to please their base and stifle the voices of oppressed Minnesotans. Law enforcement is not asking for this. Minneapolis is not asking for this. What kind of precedent are we setting for future generations wishing to exercise their First Amendment right? The Republican Majority should actually address the systemic challenges our neighbors encounter every day, so there isn’t such a dire need to protest.”
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