So far this year, GOP lawmakers in 36 states have introduced more than 90 anti-protest bills aimed at stopping Americans from exercising their rights under the constitution to protest. For example, Florida’s new law defines a “riot” as any public disturbance involving three or more persons that results in any injury or damage to property. It also grants immunity to drivers who hit protesters with their cars. Oklahoma and Iowa have now passed similar laws. And many others - including more progressive ones like Oregon - have similar bills in the hopper.
So where are these laws are coming from? They are the backlash to the BLM protests of last summer.