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Citizens to Protest Bill Aimed at Demonstrations

State Senator Brian Lees (R-Springfield) has filed legislation that will require protesters to pay the law enforcement costs of their demonstrations. According to the Boston Globe, “Under his proposal, protesters who block the flow of traffic would face a $50 fine and could be arrested. If convicted, they would be forced to pay the cost of the police officer who arrested them as well as the court fees.”

Senator Lees says he is “sick of protesters who believe they are above the law.”

At noon, on Saturday April 26, 2003, a group of citizens are planning to assemble at Senator Lee’s district office to present him with a framed copy of the First Amendment. They hope this will remind him of what the law of the land actually says, namely

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” (First Amendment to the Constitution)”

Among the organizations participating in the visit to Senator Lees’ office are:

– ARISE for Social Justice
– Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX)
– Green-Rainbow Party of Mass.
– Mass. Jobs With Justice
– National Lawyers Guild, Massachusetts Chapter
– United for Justice With Peace

For more about Senator Lees’ proposal CLICK HERE

SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Saturday April 26, 12 noon at State Senator Brian Lees’ District Office, 527 Main Street, Indian, Massachusetts.

Anyone wishing to carpool to the event from Boston should contact Patrick Keaney at [email protected].