Sources : Oregon Bill Could Give LIFE In Prison To Peace Protestors
Oregon Bill Could Give LIFE
In Prison To Peace Protestors
From Louanne M. From Tom Atlee
3-23-3
Dear friends,
This is serious and urgent. There is a clear and present danger to democracy in Oregon which could spread to other states.
Senate Bill 742 proposed by Oregon State Senator Minnis (R-Dist. 25 / Fairview)(Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee) creates the crime of “terrorism” – punishable by life imprisonment. Senator Minnis defines “terrorism” so broadly that even being present at a demonstration that is in any way “disruptive” could result in life imprisonment.
I have given the relevant sections of the bill below, as well as the link to the whole bill. I have also provided information from the American Civil Liberties Union regarding this, including contact information for the relevant Oregon State Senators.
Ever since laws began to be passed criminalizing “terrorism,” I have been concerned that its definition would be expanded to include anything that authorities wished to suppress which could then be subject to extreme punishment, laying the groundwork for serious suppression. It seems that is now happening. It must be energetically nipped in the bud if we are to prevent its spread.
If this law passes in Oregon, it is highly likely that other states will pass similar laws, especially in the current political climate.
I trust you will act if you feel so moved. Whether you are an Oregon resident or not, you can express your dismay to the Oregon State Senators listed below. If you are an Oregon resident you can, in addition, attend a hearing Monday morning Mar 24 in Salem, OR (specifics below).
Coheartedly,
Tom
PS: The law also sets aside (in terrorism cases) two other Oregon laws which prevent police from (a) spying on innocent people and organizations and (b) apprehending people solely for immigration violations.
Excerpts from the proposed law:
http://pub.das.state.or.us/LEG_BILLS/PDFs/SB742.pdf 72nd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY–2003 Regular Session Senate Bill 742 Sponsored by Senator MINNIS
SUMMARY: Creates crime of terrorism. Punishes by life imprisonment.
SECTION 1.
(1) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person knowingly plans, participates in or carries out any act that is intended, by at least one of its participants, to disrupt: (a) The free and orderly assembly of the inhabitants of the State of Oregon; (b) Commerce or the transportation systems of the State of Oregon; or (c) The educational or governmental institutions of the State of Oregon or its inhabitants.
(2) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person conspires to do any of the activities described in subsection (1) of this section. … (4) (a) A person convicted of terrorism shall be punished by imprisonment for life. (b) When a person is convicted of terrorism under this section, the court shall order that the person be confined for a minimum of 25 years without possibility of parole, release to post-prison supervision, release on work release or any form of temporary leave or employment at a forest or work camp…
