Saturday, April 10, several different times and locations across Ohio

Protests across Ohio and a “Virtual Story Circle” (via Zoom) will be happening on April 10 at around 12noon, to speak out against anti-protest bills that have been proposed in Ohio. See below for links to each event.

Multiple bills have been introduced that are an unconstitutional threat to our fundamental First Amendment rights. One bill (S.B. 33), passed during December 2020, is in direct response to environmental protests, for example, at Standing Rock. Other legislation was crafted in response to the tremendous outcry in the streets for democracy and justice after the killing of George Floyd.

These bills would punish protestors with felony offenses and high fines for simple acts such as chalking a pipeline, blocking a street, or just being part of a protest that turns violent (even if they are not involved in the violence). Police officers would be able to sue individuals and organizations for participating in or supporting peaceful public witness.

These bills do not represent the interests of Ohioans. They must never become law.

Learn more and protest, while you can, at an event in Ohio on April 10. Some are happening “in person,” locally; we also have an online option. All events will be COVID-safe.

See below for listings [including the “Virtual Story Circle”]. Click through for local events. More links will be added, so RSVP that you are “Going” to get updates as we add information.

• Chillicothe: TBD

• Cincinnati: TBD

• Cleveland: https://www.facebook.com/events/1438688093179946

• Columbus: https://www.facebook.com/events/301389188039460/

• Dayton: https://www.facebook.com/events/195947058661349

• Oberlin College: TBD

• Southeast Ohio: TBD

• Toledo: TBD

• Online Story Circle (statewide): We will share our stories about how we feel about the four anti-protest bills that are taking away our freedom of speech. This Zoom meeting will be on “Facebook live” and will be public.

Hosted by Stop Ohio Anti-Protest Bills and UUJO: Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio.