Anti-Protest Bill Is 'Attack On Ohioans Rights': Solon State Rep

COLUMBUS, OH — House Bill 109 — which creates new penalties for protests and riots — passed the Ohio House this week. Solon-based state Rep. Phil Robinson condemned the legislation as "an attack on Ohioans’ first amendment rights."

HB 109 would create new felonies of "riot assault," "riot vandalism," and "bias motivated intimidation" while putting in place steeper penalties for existing protest and riot-related offenses. Robinson believes the bill could also expose philanthropic group to legal penalties if a protest is hijacked by bad actors.

“Extreme legislation like HB 109 is an attack on Ohioans’ first amendment rights, discouraging and intimidating people from speaking truth to power. We already have laws on the books to prosecute those who commit acts of violence; this bill is an unnecessary overreach that would disproportionately target underserved and marginalized communities and minorities calling for justice," Robinson said.

• Read more: Ohio House Passes Bills To Stiffen 'Riot' Penalties; Stop Police From Limiting Guns On Scene

He added, "In short, creating loopholes in law for extreme and intolerant officials to go after groups or people they don’t like."

House Bill 325 passed the Ohio House on the same day as HB 109. HB 325 would allow gun owners and gun sellers to continue operating during state or local emergencies, essentially exempting some businesses from state orders.

“To add insult to injury passed on the same day, HB 325 would create unorthodox protections to armed individuals at riots or in emergencies who could be intimidating peaceful protestors, making tense situations worst and increasing gun violence. We can see the clear bias in what type of protestors that certain extremist Republicans want to protect," Robinson said.

Both HB 109 and HB 325 will now advance to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.