Our people power is strong. 

Our persistent, loud and clear voices, our presence in the streets despite a global pandemic, and mutual aid and organizing efforts across the country have been instrumental in standing up for Black lives, standing against white supremacy, and even obtaining a modicum of accountability for George Floyd and his family.

But since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police and our historic uprising for racial justice, 11 states have passed anti-protest legislation, and at least 231 bills have been introduced across 45 states. That’s more than twice as many proposals as in any other year!

Several of the bills being passed and proposed even go so far as to protect drivers who strike and injury protesters with their cars, allow the police to sue protesters, and block people from receiving student loans, unemployment benefits or housing assistance if they're charged under the new laws. 

They’re trying to take away our right to protest injustice, while granting impunity to counter protesters who harm us. Take a look

• Republican legislators in Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa have already passed bills to protect drivers who strike and injure protesters. 
• In Florida - ground zero for these bills - Governor Ron DeSantis signed sweeping anti-protest legislation that includes preventing protestors from being released on bail until they have appeared before a judge, and increasing penalties for taking down monuments - making the offense a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. 
• A proposal in Indiana would ban anyone convicted of unlawful assembly from holding state employment, including elected office.
• In Minnesota, anyone convicted of unlawful protesting would not be able to receive student loans, unemployment benefits or housing assistance.

And these are just some of the anti-protest bills up for consideration!

What we’ve learned over the years is that police and prosecutors don’t need more tools to abuse our constitutional rights. But, that’s exactly what these laws would give them.

These bills are a direct reaction to our people power. They saw us take to the streets, take care of each other, grow our community, and demand accountability. 

And we won’t be stopped now. 

Take action now and demand state governors to stop anti-protest laws from passing. 

Here is the Petition:

Dear Governor, 

Since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police, your constituents have showed up in historic numbers for the safety of Black lives, their communities, and racial justice. 

Our persistent, loud and clear voices, and organizing efforts across the country despite a global pandemic have been instrumental in standing up for Black lives, standing against white supremacy, and even obtaining a modicum of accountability for George Floyd and his family.

Protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful - with protestors handing out water, food, PPE, and taking care of each other. In fact, it was often the police and counter-protesters who were the instigators of any violence.

Yet since then, 11 states have passed harmful anti-protest legislation, and at least 231 bills have been introduced across 45 states. That's more than twice as many proposals as in any other year! 

Several of the bills being passed and proposed even go so far as to protect drivers who strike and injury protesters with their cars, allow the police to sue protesters, and block people from receiving student loans, unemployment benefits or housing assistance if they're charged under the new laws. 

We are being punished for our collective action against white supremacy and efforts to end the police terror of Black communities. 

We are asking that you stand up for our Constitutional right to protest racial injustice by striking down these anti-protest laws today!