Anti-Protest Policy (S. 739)

This bill would define “riot” to include a violent protest and would allow a person whose property is destroyed or harmed to recover full damages against every person or “funding entity” engaged in a riot.

Under this bill, any person convicted of a riot by either participating in the riot, being personally present, instigating, promoting, funding, or providing materials would be guilty of:

• a felony if the purpose of the gathering or acts is to resist the enforcement of a state or federal statute, to obstruct any public officer of the state or United States, or if the offender had a firearm or other dangerous weapon during the mob or riot; or

• a misdemeanor if the offender directs, advises, or encourages other people present at the mob or riot to act with force or violence.

We oppose this bill because: S. 739 is a scare tactic to limit protests. This bill targets South Carolinians’ constitutional right to assemble. It would create an environment where organizations that assist with printing materials, providing posters, or playing other roles in protests could be held liable for any violence that occurs during the protest.