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submitted 7 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

Critics of a new Louisiana law, which makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of a police officer under certain circumstances, fear that the measure could hinder the public’s ability to film officers — a tool that has increasingly been used to hold police accountable.

Under the law, anyone who is convicted of “knowingly or intentionally” approaching an officer, who is “lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties,” and after being ordered to “stop approaching or retreat” faces up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail or both. The law was signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, Tuesday and goes into effect Aug. 1. 

While the legislation’s language does not specifically mention filming, critics say that by default it would limit how close a person can be to observe police. Opponents have also gone further to question the law’s constitutionality, saying it could impede on a person’s First Amendment rights.

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[-] twistypencil@lemmy.world 202 points 7 months ago

These states are basically fascist testing grounds at this point

[-] worldwidewave@lemmy.world 111 points 7 months ago

Whenever I see dumb laws like this being passed, I think about all the problems they aren’t fixing. Louisiana is damn-near last place on all of the quality of life indexes. It’s sad that they keep electing politicians who refuse to better their quality of life.

[-] RippleEffect@lemm.ee 35 points 7 months ago

It doesn't help that it was a shitty election cycle. People didn't vote and are in shock that the republican won where turnout was 36% of registered voters because people assumed the jungle primary would cause a dem and repub to move forward when in fact, of that 36%, Landry won outright with 51%.

Im not saying he wouldn't have won anyways, but it would have been much closer if people would actually vote.

[-] Nurse_Robot@lemmy.world 4 points 7 months ago

Closer than 51%? How much closer can you get?

[-] RippleEffect@lemm.ee 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Fair. I guess I just mean he won with less than 20% of registered voters so it's difficult for us to know if it's a fluke since dems did not come out to vote

[-] Desistance@lemmy.world 13 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

They're not electing anyone. 83% of the population didn't vote in the recent Governor election.

[-] bradorsomething@ttrpg.network 5 points 7 months ago

I keep saying Louisiana should increase turnout by instituting a “vote by dealer” policy. You want your weed, fill out the ballot.

[-] Madison420@lemmy.world 7 points 7 months ago

That's the idea, they want a rule that allows exclusion of journalists so their shittness is less public.

[-] MiltownClowns@lemmy.world 17 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Literally. They write laws meant to be test cases before the supreme court to usher in fascism via minority rule.

this post was submitted on 30 May 2024
474 points (99.0% liked)

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