By Suzie Ziegler
MINEOLA, N.Y. — Lawmakers on Long Island passed a bill Monday that allows police to sue protesters in certain cases, reported CBS New York. The bill makes police officers “a protected class of first responders,” allowing cops to seek financial damages from protesters.
The measure has sparked controversy, with some activist groups saying the bill aims to stifle legal protest.
“This bill is a clear act of retaliation against Black Lives Matter,” civil rights attorney Frederick Brewington told CBS New York. “This is trying to shut down and dampen and chill the voices of those who would dissent and raise their voices against abuse by police.”
The penalty for discriminating against a cop would be $25,000 per violation, or $50,000 if it happens during a riot, according to the report.
Brian Sullivan, president of the Nassau County Correction Officers Benevolent Association, said the law was necessary because of a “widespread pattern of physical attacks and intimidation against police,” according to Good Word News.
In a statement obtained by CBS New York, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said:
I’m proud of the dedicated first responders who’ve made Nassau the safest County in America, and I will continue to stand against defunding the police. My Administration is committed to protecting the brave men and women of law enforcement who keep us safe. There were many speakers today who questioned this legislation. Now that it has been passed by the Legislature, I will be making an inquiry to the Attorney General’s Office to review and provide some advice.