1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The recent surge in anti-protest legislation across the United States threatens our fundamental constitutional rights of free speech and peaceful assembly. Over 40 bills have been introduced in 22 states this year alone, with many seeking to drastically expand criminal penalties and civil liabilities for protesters. This crackdown is a direct response to the growing opposition against the administration's policies. Vague language in proposed laws could lead to constitutional protests being criminalized or organizations facing crippling financial penalties merely for supporting disruptive but non-violent demonstrations. The chilling effect on citizens' ability to voice dissent poses a grave danger to participatory democracy. We must resist this authoritarian overreach and defend the First Amendment protections that are a bedrock of American society. Lawmakers should uphold the rights of the people to peacefully assemble and petition their government, not seek to silence criticism through draconian legislation. The administration's escalating attacks on protest rights follow a path toward outright fascism that disregards civil liberties. This alarming trend is antithetical to the principles of a free nation and must be firmly rejected.