A new law that was passed in Tennessee makes it a felony for protesters to camp out overnight on property of the state. If convicted for violating that law, they could face losing voting rights as well as serve up to six years in prison. Currently, it is illegal for felons to vote in Tennessee.
Reports noted that for over two months, many people had been sleeping outside of the state capitol while protesting against police brutality. Protesters reportedly claimed the space outside of the state capitol to be an “autonomous zone,” which caused the Governor to respond by saying “autonomous zones and violence will not be tolerated.” The governor did not the right to protest would be protected.
The law was reportedly signed by the governor of Tennessee this past Thursday during a brief special session. Camping on state property was once a misdemeanor. Now, the new law notes that it is a Class E felony.
source: Fox News
