Pipeline protest. What we witness in the US now is the broad daylight systematic murder of free speech by a thousand cuts.(Pax Ahimsa-Wikimedia)
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ctivists say a bill advancing in the Ohio legislature could criminalize activities such as offering rides, water or medical aid to anti-pipeline protesters.
Even chanting “stop the pipeline” could be construed as encouraging damage to critical infrastructure under the bill’s vague language, critics say.
Trespass, willful destruction of property and various other actions are already crimes under Ohio law. But Ohio Senate Bill 33 calls for heavier penalties for trespass or property damage that might affect “critical infrastructure.” The Ohio Senate passed the bill last spring, and the House Public Utilities Committee reported out a substitute version on Jan. 30.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathiann M. Kowalski began writing for Midwest Energy News as a freelancer in April 2013 and became a journalism fellow in March 2014. As the author of 25 books and more than 600 articles, she writes often on science and policy issues. In addition to her journalism career, Kathi is an alumna of Harvard Law School and has spent 15 years practicing law. She is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and the National Association of Science Writers.