A bill that could affect Arizonans’ rights to speech and assembly is moving through the state Legislature. Republican lawmakers say the bill is aimed at preventing paid rioters. Senate Bill 1142 would allow police and prosecutors to go after the organizers of a protest if a handful of the participants engage in unlawful acts.
The legislation expands the state racketeering law, which was written to combat organized crime.
Supporters of the bill cite violent protests that have occurred across the country as a reason to strengthen the law.
But Arizona ACLU spokesman Steve Killar says there’s already enough legislation on the books. “We have a law that criminalizes riot itself. We have a law that criminalizes disorderly conduct. We have assault. We have a law that criminalizes damage to property,” Killar said.
Killar says they are unaware of any similar laws in place throughout the country. He says the ACLU sees the legislation as an attempt to quell protests, and he fears it would have a chilling effect on free speech.
