S.17.5-13: Free Speech Protection Act (Statute)

[Mr. Reactionary]

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Sponsor: Mr Reactionary

[Mr. Reactionary]

Summary:

The goal of this bill is to protect our sacred rights.

Section 1 prevents localities from charging protesters to protect them from counter-protesters.

Section 2 requires strict scrutiny analysis when localities rope off “free speech zones”.

Section 3 requires specificity in local noise ordinances. The standard I am using is the Virginia Supreme Court standard.

Section 4 repeals certain unconstitutional local sign regulations. Reed v. Town of Gilbert casts extreme doubt on these laws being constitutional on free speech grounds. 

Section 5 limits lawsuits related to using the likeness of dead celebrities.

Section 6 limits lawsuits from home owners associations to enforce a flag ban.

Section 7 repeals certain unconstitutional panhandling ordinances. This is on the same grounds as Reed v. Gilbert above.

Section 8 prohibits certain unfair police tactics against the homeless.

Section 9 provides constitutional alternatives to panhandling ordinances.

Section 10 repeals the ban on wearing masks in public.

Section 11 prohibits employers from certain unfair practices.

Selection 12 is when the law begins.

[Lechasseur]

I'm not sure about the wearing masks in public, bar parades or other public spectacles like that, I think it could be a security risk (but I can be convinced otherwise). I like the rest of the bill, however

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

This is sensible legislation.

[Mr. Reactionary]

I'm not sure about the wearing masks in public, bar parades or other public spectacles like that, I think it could be a security risk (but I can be convinced otherwise). I like the rest of the bill, however

So, my solution to this in a world where I could make all laws, would be to make it a crime to conceal your identity while participating in another crime. That wouldnt stop many crimes or help prosecution much.

As an annecdote about the mask thing as relates to free speech. In 2008 on election day, i was 17 and myself and a few friends drove around town and we staged lightsaber battles while wearing obama and mccain masks. It was mostly for fun but arguably political, and apparently it was illegal, which still astounds me to this day. Wearing a guy fawks mask to an occupy rally is illegal here. An innocent passerby Wearing a gas mask in public because of a nearby riot is illegal. Its just sort of weird to me.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Does anyone else object to the mask ban? I aim to seek unanimous consent soon, but if enough delegates object I would of course sacrifice that for the rest of the bill (although id prefer not to).

As an alternative to Delegate Lechasseur, would some of your objections be relieved if promised in a future bill to make it a separate crime to conceal one's identity during the course of a crime?

[Mr. Reactionary]

Its been around 11 hrs. I am going to go ahead and request unanimous consent to proceed with a final vote on this bill. Anyone who wants more debate may object over the next 28 hrs (midnight saturday est) and we can discuss it further. I'll extend the time for the other 3 bills Im seeking unanimous consent on for another 28 hrs as well. Any delegate may continue debate if they object within the next 28 hours.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Unanimous consent is achieved. Final vote. 72 hrs, ending midnight between Tuesday and Wednesday est. I will PM notice tomorrow morning.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Aye

[Lechasseur]

Aye

[Lechasseur]

Does anyone else object to the mask ban? I aim to seek unanimous consent soon, but if enough delegates object I would of course sacrifice that for the rest of the bill (although id prefer not to).

As an alternative to Delegate Lechasseur, would some of your objections be relieved if promised in a future bill to make it a separate crime to conceal one's identity during the course of a crime?

Yeah that sounds good what you proposed in the last paragraph

[Chunk Yogurt for President!]

Aye

[Mr. Reactionary]

Bill passes (3-0-0; 4 not voting)

[Terry the Fat Shark]