DeSantis Signs Bill Giving Vehicle Drivers Civil Protections to Hit Protesters
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the media during a press conference at PortMiami on April 8, 2021, in Miami, Florida.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) signed a controversial bill into law on Monday that diminishes First Amendment speech and protesting rights. The bill increases civil penalties for those participating in demonstrations, potentially causing those engaged in uprisings or protests to lose their voting rights if they are convicted under its provisions.
The legislation, billed as an “anti-riot” measure by its Republican proponents, would create new crimes, including making “aggravated rioting” a felony and “mob intimidation” a misdemeanor. The latter makes it illegal for a group of three or more individuals to confront others and intimidate them into changing their views — a provision that has the potential to be broadly interpreted, say critics.