GOP bill "Unmasking Antifa Act" has maximum 15 years prison sentence

MadJakeChurchill · Jul 11, 2018

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/396404-unmasking-antifa-act-includes-15-year-prison-term-proposal

In another smack to freedom of expression, the GOP are planning to create an offence that carries a significantly higher penalty than if the person was unmasked.

The "Unmasking Antifa Act of 2018," legislation introduced in the House, carries a potential 15-year prison sentence for those caught engaging in behaviors typically associated with the "antifa" movement of anti-fascist activists.

Under the act, anyone "wearing a mask" or in disguise who "injures, oppresses, threatens, or intimidates any person … in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege" would be subject to a fine or up to 15 years in prison.

The bill was introduced in the House last month but received renewed attention on Tuesday after alt-right personality Mike Cernovich encouraged his followers to call their representatives and "let them know what you think" about the legislation.

What does "oppress" mean here? Shouting "hey, fuck you Nazis"? How are white supremacists allowed to scream WP down a street with ZERO consequences, but the second they put a mask in it's no longer protected speech?

Call your local representative. Fuck this bill stifling civilian antifascist action.

Revoke my Soros cheque if old.

Dubbedinenglish · Jul 11, 2018

White hoods are afraid of black masks...

MadJakeChurchill · Jul 11, 2018

Dubbedinenglish said:
White hoods are afraid of black masks...

And having consequences for their choices? God forbid.

Roll that beautiful Spencer punch footage.

WedgeX · Jul 11, 2018

Guess they forgot about the disguises during the actual Tea Party.

ZiggyPalffyLA · Jul 11, 2018

It'll stop those antifa supersoldiers from beheading small business owners in the town square, at least.

DrROBschiz · Jul 11, 2018

Ban local militias that form to overthrow a tyrannical government too while we are at it then

oh wait

Davidion · Jul 11, 2018

So people should take their masks off before punching nazis?

Hollywood Duo · Jul 11, 2018

Don't see how that could possibly pass but we'll see.

Quixzlizx · Jul 11, 2018

I think "Unmasking Confederate Sympathizers Act" would be a more apt name.

4859 · Jul 11, 2018

Oh HELL fucking no.

Landy828 · Jul 11, 2018

So every single KKK meeting that involves masks now is going to put them in prison now....right?

Up to 15 years. I mean...they're wearing a mask and literally there to oppress....soooo...

Have to love how this is directed just at "anti fascists"....incredible.

Link · Jul 11, 2018

Hollywood Duo said:
Don't see how that could possibly pass but we'll see.

You're way more optimistic than me. The GOP has gone full fascist.

DrROBschiz · Jul 11, 2018

This law is nonsense

Antifa protesters who engage in violence are already breaking the laws and getting arrested willingly

There is no need for this measure.

astroturfing · Jul 11, 2018

they want to crush all dissent.. hmm how surprising from an ultra right-wing party.

Deleted member 17092 · Jul 11, 2018

It's insanity that there is a bill that is specifically anti anti-facism on it's face.

XMonkey · Jul 11, 2018

Not passing the Senate, and probably not the House either. Although I wouldn't be surprised if it did pass the House.

Lots of crazy shit gets made into a bill and goes nowhere.

Hollywood Duo · Jul 11, 2018

Link said:
You're way more optimistic than me. The GOP has gone full fascist.

But the Klan wears masks too.

HStallion · Jul 11, 2018

What do you bet they never use this agaisnt Nazis and their ilk when they're wearing masks.

TarpitCarnivore · Jul 11, 2018

Under the act, anyone "wearing a mask" or in disguise who "injures, oppresses, threatens, or intimidates any person … in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege" would be subject to a fine or up to 15 years in prison.

I know the answer, but I do wonder if this applies to all the KEK WARRIORS on the front line with their goggles, helmets & masks.

AtomLung · Jul 11, 2018

What about penalties for Mad Max Republicans who show up to protests with makeshift shields and Nazi helmets?

Darth Vapor · Jul 11, 2018

This is absolutely disgusting.

Dubbedinenglish said:
White hoods are afraid of black masks...

Spot on.

4859 · Jul 11, 2018

TarpitCarnivore said:
I know the answer, but I do wonder if this applies to all the KEK WARRIORS on the front line with their goggles, helmets & masks.

AtomLung said:
What about penalties for Mad Max Republicans who show up to protests with makeshift shields and Nazi helmets?

Of course not.

TheMango55 · Jul 11, 2018

The King beyond the wall · Jul 11, 2018

Legislation that is explicitly anti Anti-fascist - this is basically defending the Fascists and Nazis.

This is a new low GOP/America.

MadJakeChurchill · Jul 11, 2018

Davidion said:
So people should take their masks off before punching nazis?

Punch Nazi unmasked -> 1 year max sentence, small fine.
Punch Nazi masked -> 15 year max sentence, fine.

Fucking ridiculous.

Capra · Jul 11, 2018

ZOONAMI said:
It's insanity that there is a bill that is specifically anti anti-facism on it's face.

Came to post this. What the actual fuck is this godforsaken country anymore.

_ifigured · Jul 11, 2018

Embracing the full-on fascism. I can't wait to vote these shitstains out.

Skelepuzzle · Jul 11, 2018

They gotta protect their boys.

Polaroid_64 · Jul 11, 2018

If punching Nazis is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Republicans actually making laws to defend Nazis.

Where is moderate middle man with both sides?

TheMango55 · Jul 11, 2018

The KKK has been wearing masks to commit violence and intimidate people for 100 years and they don't feel the need to make it illegal, but Antifa starts wearing masks and it's a disaster that needs immediate action!

HellforLeather · Jul 11, 2018

Under the act, anyone "wearing a mask" or in disguise who "injures, oppresses, threatens, or intimidates any person … in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege" would be subject to a fine or up to 15 years in prison.

irregardless of what the bill is called. How would this not apply to KKK at the same time?

4859 · Jul 11, 2018

Polaroid_64 said:
If punching Nazis is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Republicans actually making laws to defend Nazis.

Where is moderate middle man with both sides?

The same place they always end up once they think their is enough of a chance they no longer need to hedge their bets.

With the Nazis.

Snarfington · Jul 11, 2018

Just sit and reflect for a moment that there is a Bill in the US House that is specifically targeted at people protesting FASCISM.

It's easy to lose perspective on this but holy SHIT.

MadJakeChurchill · Jul 11, 2018

HellforLeather said:
irregardless of what the bill is called. How would this not apply to KKK at the same time?

Some of those that work forces...

Mr. X · Jul 11, 2018

HellforLeather said:
irregardless of what the bill is called. How would this not apply to KKK at the same time?

It's like how AKs were cool until Huey and Black Panther Party

night814 · Jul 11, 2018

Snarfington said:
Just sit and reflect for a moment that there is a Bill in the US House that is specifically targeted at people protesting FASCISM.

It's easy to lose perspective on this but holy SHIT.

Totally believe it, and people still say these guys aren't facists/racists.

Deleted member 721 · Jul 11, 2018

And i bet that white hoods of the KKK, would get a Free pass.

Nokterian · Jul 11, 2018

See this happened the same thing when Hitler did, attacking those who are against nazi's.

DigitalOp · Jul 11, 2018

Doesn't this affect Nazis in their black flak gear and bandana covering faces

NullPointerException · Jul 11, 2018

lolol. KKK allowed to operate for 50+ years without any laws against them or even any hint of banning the group. Get Fox using the term antifa and then suddenly you get this. wow...just wow.

DrROBschiz · Jul 11, 2018

TheMango55 said:
The KKK has been wearing masks to commit violence and intimidate people for 100 years and they don't feel the need to make it illegal, but Antifa starts wearing masks and it's a disaster that needs immediate action!

Yup

and there are tons of White Nationalist Militias, Cults, and various other extremists groups that are apparently legal

This shit is so blatant

MadJakeChurchill · Jul 11, 2018

Mr. X said:
It's like how AKs were cool until Huey and Black Panther Party

Apt comparison.
Armed-to-the-teeth militias that have lynched POC for decades: okie-dokie.
African-American organisation that walk around with rifles and copwatch: SHOOT THEM WHILE THEY SLEEP.

night814 · Jul 11, 2018

Hollywood Duo said:
Don't see how that could possibly pass but we'll see.

This started a year ago with the slander compaign against Antifa around the Nazi rally on Charlotte. Remember "both sides"? That was a big play to protect Nazi/racists and this is another big play to protect evil people from those that stand against them.

4859 · Jul 11, 2018

DigitalOp said:
Doesn't this affect Nazis in their black flak gear and bandana covering faces

You have to be arrested to be charged.

How often during these protest clashes do the Nazis get arrested, compared to the people protesting the Nazis?

Yeah.

Protein · Jul 11, 2018

Polaroid_64 said:
If punching Nazis is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Republicans actually making laws to defend Nazis.

Where is moderate middle man with both sides?

The white moderate has nothing to fear from the nazi. They won't get beaten, lynched, or shot for how they look. The white moderate prefers order and their own personal comfort over the plight of minorities. The same could be arguably said for some white liberals calling for civility when dealing with the far-right.

Snack12367 · Jul 11, 2018

MadJakeChurchill said:
Under the act, anyone "wearing a mask" or in disguise who "injures, oppresses, threatens, or intimidates any person … in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege" would be subject to a fine or up to 15 years in prison.

Click to expand...

Click to shrink...

Does that mean we can arrest cops?

onadesertedisland · Jul 11, 2018

Using fascist laws to imprison protestors that protest against fascism. Hmm.... Hmm...

Deleted member 2145 · Jul 11, 2018

literal fascism

good job america

Lwyn · Jul 11, 2018

DigitalOp said:
Doesn't this affect Nazis in their black flak gear and bandana covering faces

I have a feeling it doesn't.

Volimar · Jul 11, 2018

Before getting worked up, how much support does this measure have? The article doesn't say.

GOP bill "Unmasking Antifa Act" has maximum 15 years prison sentence

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