Proposed penalties for violent protesters in Arizona considerations civil rights teams | Arizona Politics

By Last updated May 21, 2021

A bill that would crack down on violent protests in Arizona has some concerns about the ramifications for freedom of expression.

PHOENIX (3TV / CBS 5) – An Arizona bill that would make attending a “violent or disorderly gathering” a class 6 crime affects some civil rights groups. “The purpose of (House Bill) 2309 was to get people to think before they took part in a protest,” said Jared Keenan, an attorney for the Arizona ACLU.

HB 2309 would crack down on things like pointing a laser pointer at a police officer, blocking a roadway, using fireworks in a disorderly gathering, or damaging property between $ 250 and $ 1,000.

Proponents of the legislation say it is designed to prevent rioting and looting.

(Source: 3TV / CBS 5)

The bill’s sponsor, Republican MP Bret Roberts, was unavailable for comment Thursday. Proponents of the legislation say it is designed to prevent rioting and looting. “If these things do happen, there are numerous laws on the books right now that allow police and prosecutors to prosecute anyone who engages in this behavior,” Keenan said.

Kevin Robinson, who retired after 36 years with the Phoenix Police Department and served 13 of them as deputy chief, believes the bill is unnecessary as it already imposes penalties on those who commit crimes during protests. “It’s not that they can do these things and not get arrested for them,” Robinson said. “You know, that’s not the case. So I struggle to fully understand the reasons why you need all of these additional laws because they are already there.”

Community organizers say this could have a terrifying effect on freedom of expression in Arizona.

(Source: 3TV / CBS 5)

Meanwhile, community organizers say this could have a terrifying effect on freedom of expression in Arizona. “I mean, if we want to march peacefully down the street and you know we are only face to face in the ward, we may lose some members or some people who join our cause,” said Chel’sea Ryan of the Southwest Center in Phoenix. “Because they are afraid that this law could possibly harm them.”