#nonviolentprotests — Public Fediverse posts

When are #ICEProtests ‘illegal’ in #Texas? Here’s what state and federal laws say

By Tiffani Jackson Updated June 12, 2025

Excerpt: "What are your rights to protest on public or private property? Your rights are strongest in “traditional public forums,” like parks, sidewalks and streets, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. While you generally have the freedom to express yourself on other public land, like plazas outside government buildings, it’s important that your actions don’t block access or interfere with the building’s intended function.

"On private property, the owner has the right to impose restrictions on speech. However, the government cannot limit your speech if you’re on your own property or have permission from the owner. It’s also important to remember that counter-protesters have the same rights to free expression, and police must treat both protesters and counter-protesters equally.

"Is it legal to take photos or video protests, police or government buildings? You are legally allowed to photograph anything in plain view, including government buildings and law enforcement officers, when you’re in a public area.

"On private property, however, the property owner may have their own rules about photography or video recording.

"What is an ‘illegal protest’? Protesting is a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment, but not every demonstration is automatically legal. According to the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to preserving the First Amendment, the following actions can cross the line and turn a peaceful protest into one that could get you arrested:

- Violence or destruction of property – If a protest turns violent, involves #vandalism, or causes harm to people or property, it’s no longer protected under #FreeSpeech laws.

- Trespassing on private property – Protests are generally allowed in public spaces, like sidewalks and parks. But if demonstrators enter private property without permission, they could face trespassing charges.

- Blocking roads or public services – #Marching in the street without a permit or blocking traffic can make a protest illegal. Many cities require permits for demonstrations, especially those that could disrupt public order.

" 'It can’t be about the content of the speech, because content and viewpoint are protected by the #First =Amendment,' TCU media law professor and First Amendment expert Daxton “Chip” Stewart said. 'It has to be about something else. A protest that #BlocksTraffic, for example, or that arises to violence.' Texas laws about protesting

"According to the Texas Law Library, there are specific restrictions on where protests cannot take place.

"For example, it’s illegal to protest within 1,000 feet of a funeral service from three hours before to three hours after the event, as this could disrupt the service. Likewise, protests at #CriticalInfrastructure sites, like oil pipelines or #construction areas, are heavily regulated, with severe penalties for trespassing or disrupting these facilities.

"Additionally, blocking #highways, #sidewalks or any passageways that are accessible to the public — especially emergency routes—is prohibited, and doing so can lead to felony charges.

"#Protests that turn disorderly or disrupt lawful meetings also fall under legal restrictions. Finally, any actions that involve violence or #loud, disruptive noise are subject to criminal penalties.

"What are your rights if you protest on college campus? In 2019, Texas passed a law that made all common outdoor spaces on public university campuses 'traditional public forums.'

"This means that anyone — whether you’re a student, staff member, or just someone from the community — can express themselves, whether that’s through protests or other demonstrations, as long as it’s lawful and doesn’t seriously disrupt the university’s operations."

Read more:
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article308416530.html

#TexasResists #NoKingsEvents
#NonViolentProtests #ProtestLaws #Project2025 #Authoritarianism #AntiProtestLaws #TrafficInterference

Crackdowns on #ClimateActivists are happening in a lot of places -- including the #US! NYPD in riot gear! For a 63 year old cellist!!!

via @verdantsquare

#Cello-playing #ClimateActivist arrested at #NewYork #Citibank #protest as crackdown escalates

Second activist also arrested during ‘summer of heat’ protest against second largest financier of #FossilFuels

Nina Lakhani in New York
Thu 8 Aug 2024 19.13 EDT

"A 63-year-old climate activist and professional cellist faces up to seven years in #prison after being arrested on Thursday while performing a Bach solo outside the headquarters of one of the world’s largest fossil fuel financier Citibank in downtown New York.

"#JohnMarkRozendaal, a former Princeton professor, and #AlecConnon, director of the climate nonprofit group #StopTheMoneyPipeline, were arrested for criminal contempt in the public park at the bank’s global headquarters as the crackdown against #nonviolent climate protesters escalates.

"Rozendaal was handcuffed and led away to the police vehicle singing 'we are not afraid, we are not afraid, we will sing for liberation because we know why we were made'. The crowd of protesters chanted 'let him play' and “ shame on you Citibank”.

"Thirteen other climate activists, who had linked arms in a circle around Rozendaal to protect him as he played Bach’s suites for cello, were detained for alleged obstruction of governmental administration, a misdemeanor criminal charge. 'People are dying … today is my birthday,' said Mike Bucci, 77, teary eyed as the police in #RiotGear broke up the protest.

"Since 10 June, climate activists have been peacefully protesting against Citibank’s record financial support for new fossil fuel projects as part of the Summer of Heat on Wall Street campaign. At least 3,700 people have participated in the nonviolent civil disobedience, repeatedly blockading the entrance to its global headquarters. More than 475 people including faith leaders, scientists and elders have been arrested while calling on Citi to stop bankrolling new #coal, #oil and #gas.

"Citi is the second largest financier of fossil fuels and the largest financier of fossil fuel expansion since the 2015 Paris climate agreement, according to the latest Banking on #ClimateChaos report.

"The latest arrests come as climate advocates accuse Citibank and the #NYPD of coordinated and escalating efforts to suppress nonviolent protests in retaliation for drawing attention to the banking giant’s key role in funding fossil projects globally."

Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/08/citibank-climate-protest-new-york

#SummerOfHeatIOnWallStreet #SummerOfHeatProtests #NYC #ACAB #NonViolentProtests #BigOilAndGas #SLAPPs #CorporateColonialism
#EarthDefenders #CriminalizingDissent #BigOilAndGas #WaterIsLife #ClimateDefenders #Fascism #ExtinctionRebellion #ExtinctionRebellionNYC