Florida activists push back against proposed bill that would crack down on violent protests

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Activists in Jacksonville and across Florida are furious over a bill that could impose harsher penalties for protesters.

Monday, organizations across the state held a virtual webinar to push back against the legislation introduced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in September.

READ: Governor DeSantis proposes new bill that would crackdown on violent protests

Christina Kittle with the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and Mike Todd of the New Florida Majority took part in the panel discussion.

During the meeting, the activists said the proposed legislation was an attack on free speech and the right to assemble.

The Northside Coalition of Jacksonville said a rally against the bill is planned for Saturday at the Duval County Courthouse at 1 p.m.

The proposed legislation is expected to go before lawmakers during the next legislative session which begins in early 2021.

The activists said they plan to go to Tallahassee to make sure their voices are heard before a vote. An exact date hasn’t been set yet.

Cox Media Group