Oklahoma passes a law that can protect drivers who run over protesters

The Senate last week passed Republican-backed legislation 38-10. The bill makes it a felony punishable by up to one year in prison and a $ 5,000 fine for anyone blocking a public street during a protest, under the law. House Bill 1674 also states that drivers cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for killing or injuring a protester while “fleeing a riot,” and it is “reasonable to believe” that they are in danger.

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The bill comes in the middle of a national conversation about police, racial bias and the right to demonstrate. After months of protests – some of which culminated in riots – sparked by George Floyd’s death in police custody, Minnesota was once again the center of large-scale demonstrations this month. Not only was a former officer convicted of Floyd’s death, but calls for justice were rekindled by the deadly police shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright.

The first days of the protests over Wright’s death turned chaotic as some protesters threw bottles and launched fireworks and officers used tear gas and stun guns.

“We are sending a message in Oklahoma today that rioters who threaten the law that respects the security of civilians will not be tolerated. I remain unequivocally committed to protecting every Oklahoman’s First Amendment, the right to protest peacefully,” as well as their right to feel safe in their community, ”said Stitt.

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A group protesting the legislation was briefly given access to the House Chambers at the Oklahoma City State Capitol on Wednesday, according to CNN subsidiary KFOR. The session resumed after the protesters left the Capitol, KFOR reported.

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