This is rather frightening!
SECTION 1. { + (1) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person knowingly plans, participates in or carries out any act that is intended, by at least one of its participants, to disrupt: (a) The free and orderly assembly of the inhabitants of the State of Oregon; (b) Commerce or the transportation systems of the State of Oregon; or (c) The educational or governmental institutions of the State of Oregon or its inhabitants. (2) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person conspires to do any of the activities described in subsection (1) of this section. (3) A person may not be convicted of terrorism except upon the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or upon confession in open court. (4)(a) A person convicted of terrorism shall be punished by imprisonment for life.
The public’s right to protest is fundemental to the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Protest sometimes involves the disruption of commerce / transportation systems – and engages itself on education and government grounds. The thought of peaceful protestors being given life in prison for civil disobedience against the government would offer a chilling effect on free speech – and paint Oregon in a decidedly undemocratic light.
This legislation is heavy-handed and has to potential for serious rights abuse. Its definition of terrorism is vague and infringes on some of our most basic civil liberties.
(1) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person knowingly plans, participates in or carries out any act that is intended, by at least one of its participants, to disrupt: (a) The free and orderly assembly of the inhabitants of the State of Oregon; (b) Commerce or the transportation systems of the State of Oregon; or (c) The educational or governmental institutions of the State of Oregon or its inhabitants.
Yes, us protestors are now terrorists!
This act will mean anyone who takes part in civil disobedience able to be thrown in prison for life and be grouped with terrorists!!! This is a seriously sick and appaling bill that takes away a vital means of protest. Where would the civil rights movement be today without civil disobediance?