Oppose Attack on Non-Profits and Advocates in Georgia
Proposed bill S.B. 177 is a thinly-veiled attack on First Amendment rights of freedom of expression and association in the state of Georgia.
Broad language in the bill as well as the sponsor’s own testimony indicate that S.B. 177 is a vehicle for surveilling and suppressing political dissent, especially pro-Palestinian advocacy. The bill would also hamper individuals’ freedom of speech based on their nationality and immigration status. The broad definitions used in the bill open up the potential for expanding scrutiny of labor unions, civil rights organizations, and student activist groups.
The current version of the bill creates exceptions for industry and trade associations, TikTok, and the National Rifle Association, but leaves non-profit advocacy organizations vulnerable to fines of up to $10,000 per violation and up to $200,000 for “willful or a repeat violation”.
Call your representatives and demand that they oppose S.B. 177, which seeks to silence advocacy groups through intimidation and fear.
Content for this call topic kindly provided by AAJC.
Contacts for this topic:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
I’m calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to oppose S.B. 177, which attacks the free speech rights of advocates and non-profit groups, while granting unfair exceptions to groups like the NRA and Tik-Tok.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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