“‘Trespass Bill’ Would Violate Peaceful Assembly Rights’ @ Antiwar.com

Posted on March 7, 2012

John Glaser —  February 28, 2012: “The House of Representatives approved a bill on Monday that outlaws protests or civilian intrusions in any area where government officials are nearby, tearing away at the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble.

The new legislation would make it a federal offense for anyone to protest or assemble without permission on grounds where the Secret Service is protecting a government official or any building or grounds “restricted in conjunction with an event designated as a special event of national significance.”

The language of the bill is incredibly broad and open to the interpretation of prosecutors. Starting with making it illegal to trespass on the grounds of the White House, the grounds or buildings included as off-limits even cover those that the President – or whatever other official protected by the Secret Service – is residing temporarily. It  would even include a peaceful protest outside a presidential candidate’s concession speech, for example……..”

Read more at Antiwar.com.