Following on from the ongoing protests since the murder of George Floyd last year, a bill which reportedly intends to put stricter rules in place for rioting was passed on Thursday at a Republican-led Florida Senate.
According to The New York Times, since being passed, the bill known as HB 1, the Combating Public Disorder Bill has been met with much critique from individuals and activist groups alike, with the criticism stemming from the fact that the bill is being perceived as having the potential to criminalise peaceful protests against police brutality.
The bill allows prosecutors and local officials the ability to appeal to the state if a council attempts to cut their police budget, it also makes it a third-degree felony to participate in a riot (which must have a minimum of three people involved). Furthermore it categorises anyone who is deemed to have committed ‘battery on a law enforcement officer’ punishable with at least six months in jail. Attacking monuments and memorials is also categorised as a second degree crime.
Speaking on behalf of those not in favour of the bill, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has said on Twitter, “It is clear that Gov. DeSantis and certain legislative members are aiming to shut down political speech they disagree with in a direct attack on the First Amendment and at the cost of Black and Brown people. This bill is a disgrace to our state.”
They added, “HB 1 is racist, unconstitutional, and anti-democratic, plain and simple. The bill was purposely designed to embolden the disparate police treatment we have seen over and over again directed towards Black and brown people who are exercising their constitutional right to protest.”
“It was introduced as a political stunt after a year of historic protest, in which millions of Americans joined together to call for an end to the disparate killings of Black people at the hands of police.” They continued, “It is no coincidence that these bills were introduced by politicians who harshly criticized these calls for racial justice and police accountability.”
HB 1 is racist, unconstitutional, and anti-democratic, plain and simple. The bill was purposely designed to embolden the disparate police treatment we have seen over and over again directed towards Black and brown people who are exercising their constitutional right to protest.
— ACLU of Florida (@ACLUFL) April 15, 2021
