HR 347 threatens freedom of assembly - restricts political protest
U.S. House passes bill giving the federal government new and sweeping powers to bring charges against Americans engaged in political protest anywhere in the country. Critics claim the bill, HR 347, would make free speech a felony, and restrict political protest. - HR 347, the “Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011,” also known as "First Amendment Rights Eradication Act," was passed by the House on Tuesday. Some speculate the bill is an attempt, at least in part, to silence and intimidate the Occupy Movement that began with Occupy Wall Street. The bill makes it a federal offense to disrupt or protest at any place or event attended by any person with secret service protection. The bill would make it a criminal offense to trespass on any "restricted buildings and grounds," and would seriously hamper any future political protests near the White House. However, the bill goes much farther than simply protecting the president.
AWIP: US Congress passes authoritarian anti-protest law