New Law Alters Rules for Protests Near Mississippi State Government Buildings

[Nomad]

A law changing how protests work near government buildings in Jackson, Mississippi, will start on July 1. According to this new law, you must get permission from state law enforcement officials if you want to protest near the statehouse, Governor's Mansion, or other government buildings in the capital. The existing law requires only a permit from the city. This change has led to a lawsuit by the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign and other groups. They say this law limits free speech and makes it harder for protests against the state. The lawsuit also points out that this rule is only for Jackson and not for other places in Mississippi. This means people in Jackson have different rules for protesting near government buildings. This change might make it tougher for people to organize protests in these parts of Jackson.

You can find details here

 

[Winny]

And who's to say these officials will allow them to protest on these grounds even with a permit already in hands. If it requires their say so, then they could decline anyone who wants to protest on or near that location. Just sounds like something the government would do to push back towards the people. Good thing it's only in one area and not all surrounding areas though.

 

[Jake]

And who's to say these officials will allow them to protest on these grounds even with a permit already in hands. If it requires their say so, then they could decline anyone who wants to protest on or near that location. Just sounds like something the government would do to push back towards the people. Good thing it's only in one area and not all surrounding areas though.

That's a good point. Also considering that the state officials might not even allow you to protest by these building. If they are required to get approval from them, it's not going to happen. They won't just honor the permit.

 

[Debashis]

The new law in Jackson, Mississippi, restricting protests near government buildings infringes upon free speech and creates an unequal environment for protesters. This change, effective July 1, has prompted a lawsuit by the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign and others, arguing that it hampers their ability to voice dissent against the state. Furthermore, the discrepancy between Jackson and other Mississippi locations adds complexity and potential barriers to organizing protests in the capital.