{"issues":[{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false}],"legislators":[],"articles":[{"title":"Ask the Expert with Trevor Potter - Episode 2: Who exactly counts my vote? When will it be counted?","id":335,"slug":"335-ask-expert-trevor-potter-episode-2-exactly-counts-vote-counted","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/335-ask-expert-trevor-potter-episode-2-exactly-counts-vote-counted","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=335","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/335/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The second installment of the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter on Mail in Voting is out! As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center, this series will provide you with important voter information and answer all your questions about the upcoming 2020 election. For more, check out Campaign Legal Center's State and Locally Focused Resources for Supporting Voting Rights.

Click the link about to watch the full video and join the conversation on the WHTT Hub.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Make sure to visit the 2020 Election Center for all your essential voting information","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.29.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Click the link about to watch the full video and join the conversation on the WHTT Hub.

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-09-29T21:12:11.578Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second installment of the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter on Mail in Voting is out! As a part of the We Hold These","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-09-29T21:12:11.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/r5e914ghZEg","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"REGISTER TO VOTE","id":332,"slug":"332-register-vote","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/332-register-vote","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=332","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/332/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Make sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming 2020 elections HERE:

https://vote.gov/

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Register to vote or make sure that you are registered in your home state with the link below:","cta_type":"custom","cta_text":"REGISTER","cta_url":"https://vote.gov/","formatted_publish_date":"9.29.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d9bc79/Register%20to%20vote%203.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d9bc79/Register%20to%20vote%203.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d9bc79/Register%20to%20vote%203.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d9bc79/Register%20to%20vote%203.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d9bc79/Register%20to%20vote%203.png"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Make sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming 2020 elections HERE:

https://vote.gov/

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-09-29T17:32:35.961Z","status":"published","snippet":"Make sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming 2020 elections HERE: https://vote.gov/","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-09-29T17:32:35.958Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","id":219,"slug":"219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of all; and people who work in service of a cause greater than oneself. Thousands, maybe millions, have answered the call.

As the 2020 Election approaches, we need mavericks more than ever before. Like the original maverick, Senator John McCain, we ask you to use your vote to challenge the status quo, defend the dignity of all people and support causes greater than one’s self.

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

","user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":16,"html_content":"

","comment_count":3,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.126Z","status":"published","snippet":"Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.123Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlNPLoI-F1o","video_dimensions":"480,270","video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s foreign service as U.S. diplomats have been caught up in the partisan crossfire. To remedy this, four members of congress, two Republicans and two Democrats, have announced the creation of the Diplomacy Caucus. The caucus will bring together lawmakers of both parties in the interest of strengthening the U.S. diplomatic corps through legislation. Do you feel that America’s public servants are being protected enough by Congress, or is the creation of this caucus a necessity?

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":6,"html_content":"

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","status":"published","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","id":114,"slug":"114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=114","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/114/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition of their fight for democracy. The award, which was presented to the people of Lesbos, Greece, last year was presented this year to former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing and activist Figo Chan Ho-wun on Saturday, November 23rd. The two accepted the award from Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain, alongside the Halifax Security Forum, on behalf of all protesters in Hong Kong.

Giving this award to the people of Hong Kong makes the Halifax Security Forum—a network of international experts, academics, military officials, entrepreneurs and authors—the first international organization to recognize the struggles of the city’s people. This certainly comes at a delicate time: last week, the US Congress almost unanimously voted to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This act would impose stricter monitoring of Hong Kong and, should any action be taken by the government to erode at the city’s freedoms, sanctions against China. President Trump, who has been in the process of working out a new trade deal with Beijing as a focal point of his re-election campaign, has yet to comment on whether he will sign the act into law or not.

In this context, the Halifax Forum’s recognition of the Hong Kongese could be seen as a challenge to Beijing itself. However, the Forum stands firm in its decision. Cindy McCain, who is also a board member of the Forum, said that she hopes “this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country’s government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves.”

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.25.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"","chosen_legislators":[],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Tonight: First Presidential Debate","id":334,"slug":"334-tonight-presidential-debate","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/334-tonight-presidential-debate","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=334","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/334/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

TONIGHT, 9:00 PM EST: The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden for the 2020 election is scheduled for tonight, September 29 at 9 PM ET. The debate will take place in the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic. The topics of the debate will be on COVID-19, race relations, economy, Supreme Court, and integrity of the election, and it will be moderated by Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace.

To watch the debate, you can watch the livestream here on CBSNews

Keep and eye out for

Register to vote HERE and check out resources and frequently asked questions about voting.
Learn about the history of presidential debates

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"What will you be watching for tonight? ","cta_type":"comment","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.29.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/9HnKFUNlcfY/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/9HnKFUNlcfY/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/9HnKFUNlcfY/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/9HnKFUNlcfY/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/9HnKFUNlcfY/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

To watch the debate, you can watch the livestream here on CBSNews

Keep and eye out for

\nRegister to vote HERE and check out resources and frequently asked questions about voting.\n
\nLearn about the history of presidential debates \n

","comment_count":4,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-09-29T18:25:04.607Z","status":"published","snippet":"TONIGHT, 9:00 PM EST : The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden for the","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-09-29T18:25:04.604Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HnKFUNlcfY","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"State By State Voter Guide","id":319,"slug":"319-state-state-voter-guide","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/319-state-state-voter-guide","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=319","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/319/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Use Causes.com's Voter Center to register, find your polling station, recruit friends and communities, figure out how to help your chosen campaign, and find the nearest swing district. But just as importantly, it can help you learn about the election and why it's so important for all of us to cast a ballot.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"custom","cta_text":"FIND YOUR STATE","cta_url":"https://www.causes.com/cause/state-by-state-voter-guide","formatted_publish_date":"9.15.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b43bba/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-15%20at%2012.52.09%20PM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b43bba/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-15%20at%2012.52.09%20PM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b43bba/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-15%20at%2012.52.09%20PM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b43bba/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-15%20at%2012.52.09%20PM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b43bba/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-15%20at%2012.52.09%20PM.png"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-09-15T16:52:34.640Z","status":"published","snippet":"Use Causes.com 's Voter Center to register, find your polling station, recruit friends and communities, figure out how to help","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-09-15T16:52:34.636Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","id":100,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

The bill has already drawn harsh criticism from free speech advocates, including the ACLU, who claimed \"this bill will not solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech.”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.22.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","comment_count":3,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","status":"published","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","id":89,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

Article: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime

Banks claims that this bill would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests, but historically speaking, many of our nation’s most important civil rights victories have come from protests that led to arrests. It seems likely that adding financial responsibility on top of the threat of arrest may prevent would-be-activists from participating in future protests.

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.8.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":44,"html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","comment_count":4,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"WATCH: Boys State - Virtual Screening","id":331,"slug":"331-watch-boys-state-virtual-screening","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/331-watch-boys-state-virtual-screening","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=331","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/331/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Tune in on Monday, September 28 at 7PM EST to a virtual screening of the award winning documentary Boys State, featuring a conversation moderated by Cindy McCain with Governor Larry Hogan, Filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, and film subject Ben Feinstein. The documentary is a political coming-of-age story which follows the leadership experiences of a thousand high school age boys who attend Boys State Texas and are tasked with building a democratic representative government from the ground up.

Please RSVP to boysstatescreening@a24films.com to receive a the link to the screening.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Register below to receive a link to the virtual screening","cta_type":"custom","cta_text":"REGISTER HERE","cta_url":"https://www.mccaininstitute.org/events/boys-state-virtual-screening/","formatted_publish_date":"9.24.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/E1Kh_T5ZBIM/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/E1Kh_T5ZBIM/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/E1Kh_T5ZBIM/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/E1Kh_T5ZBIM/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/E1Kh_T5ZBIM/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":3,"html_content":"