#AntiProtestLaws: #Alabama #SB247#AntiProtest Bill

Note: SB 247 went into effect on October 1, 2025

Latest Update: March 27, 2025

The #ACLU of Alabama opposes this.

"Summary:

Background: Senate Bill 247 prohibits protestors from organizing at or near a residence or a place of employment and using sound systems during protests at these locations. It also prohibits protestors from blocking entrances and exits to roads, places of employment, and residences. A “residence” is vaguely defined in the bill as any building that someone uses to live in while “place of employment” has no listed definition at all. The Governor’s mansion, for instance, would likely fall under the requirements for residences. Organizers could even be barred from protesting when they choose to organize in proximity to apartments or other residential areas. SB 247 would also permit municipalities to author and pass ordinances that limit the time or noise level of a protest that occurs in a residential area.

Our Position: We oppose SB 247. The ACLU of Alabama is committed to protecting First Amendment rights. That includes defending the right to protest for individuals across the state of Alabama. Senate Bill 247 attempts to exempt public officials from hearing the grievances of Alabamians, often expressed through protest when constituents are unable to inspire action in the State House. If SB 247 passes, it would add limitations on where protesters can organize and would violate the First Amendment rights of Alabamians."

Source:
https://www.aclualabama.org/legislation/sb-247-anti-protest-bill/

Link to Bill Status:
https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/SB247-int.pdf

#AlabamaLaw #CriminalizingDissent
#Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
#CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol

SB 247 – Anti-Protest Bill - ACLU of Alabama

Background: Senate Bill 247 prohibits protestors from organizing at or near a residence or a place of employment and using sound systems during protests at these locations. It also prohibits protestors from blocking entrances and exits to roads, places of employment, and residences. A “residence” is vaguely defined in the bill as any building that […]

ACLU of Alabama

#AntiProtestLaws: #Alabama

Proposed #AlabamaLaw limiting #protests near homes passes despite #FirstAmendment concerns: ‘We might go too far’

Updated: Apr. 02, 2025

"Alabama state Sen. #ArthurOrr’s, R-Decatur, bill seeking to limit where and when protests could be organized passed a Senate Committee on Wednesday.

"The Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government voted to pass the legislation despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers.

"Orr has attempted to pass similar legislation for several years but has been unsuccessful so far.

"The bill, #SB247, states that it would 'prohibit a person from picketing or protesting at or near the residence of any individual with the intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb during the period starting 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise.'

"This prohibition would also apply if an individual used artificial noise amplification, blocked a public road, or blocked the entrance and exit of a residential area or place of employment.

"Orr defended the bill saying it would meet constitutional standards and that individuals should find public places to protest outside of neighborhoods."

https://www.al.com/politics/2025/04/proposed-alabama-law-limiting-protests-near-homes-passes-despite-first-amendment-concerns-we-might-go-too-far.html

Full text of bill [pdf]:
https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2024RS/SB247-int.pdf

#CriminalizingDissent
#Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
#CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol

Proposed Alabama law limiting protests near homes passes despite First Amendment concerns: ‘We might go too f

The sponsor defended the bill saying it would meet constitutional standards.

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