Besides being unconstitutional, new law where none needed could make it a felony simply to be present at a gathering of 3 people in the State Capitol.

MADISON – The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin vigorously opposes a proposal currently circulating in the State Capitol that could make it a felony simply to be present at a gathering that could be designated a riot because it is an assembly of at least three persons in which there is violence or property damage, or even just "a clear and present danger" of such.

“This proposal is clearly intended to squelch free speech through intimidation, and it is not the way we do things in America. It is a drastic overreach and it is unconstitutional,” said Andrea Kaminski, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.

The League supports the right and responsibility of individuals and groups to oppose, by any non-violent means, government actions that weaken or abridge the individual rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Wisconsin Constitution. We support free speech and people’s right to assemble. We work hard to promote civil dialogue in all of our activities at the local, state and national levels.

“There are already sufficient laws in place to deal with violence and property damage. We do not have to deny citizens’ First Amendment rights to address such problems,” Kaminski said.

###

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. The League welcomes women and men across the state as members. There are 18 local Leagues in Wisconsin. Follow @LWV_WI on Twitter.