In the United States, some of our treasured core rights are the right to assemble peaceably, the right to protest, freedom of speech, and, of course, the right to keep and bear arms.

SB 897, which is pending before Oregon’s Senate Judiciary Committee, creates a new felony crime of “militia terrorism.” Under this bill, ANYONE attending a sit-in, rally or other type of protest could be charged with this crime if just one person in the crowd had a gun with them. You don’t even have to know the person has the gun, and the gun doesn’t even need to be used in a crime. In fact, no real crime has to be committed for YOU to be charged with a felony - you only need to be present at some point during the protest within a 48-hour period.

This has nothing to do with protecting people from violence. It’s a blatant attack on free speech and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Since this crime of “militia terrorism” is a felony, anyone convicted of it would be prohibited from possessing a firearm for life.

This is an unconscionable attack on the rights of every American. Not only do we oppose it - we condemn it, and hope you will join us in urging your legislators to reject it.

Contact your legislator today and tell them you strongly oppose SB 897!