People have the right to peacefully protest, without being labeled as a riot. This bill takes away our right to protect ourselves from the state and allows the state to criminalize Ohioans for exercising their right to stay safe and alive. In the state of Ohio, HB 109 will require the most marginalized to pay to peacefully protest, which is against our constitutional rights. 

1. Do you believe you have the right to protect yourself and your community from state-sanctioned violence? 

2. Do you believe that Black Ohioans have the right to peacefully assemble and protest to demand justice, liberation, and the right to remain safe and protect their lives and community? 

3. Do you believe people deserve the right to peacefully protest against gender and racial oppression?

If you answered yes, then complete this form to protect our communities from state violence. 

Why is HB 109 Dangerous? 

• HB 109 requires a permit to exercise our right to protest. Permits do not protect community members from law enforcement to penalize you. 

• HB 109 generally makes it a felony for organizations supporting protests if Ohio law deems it a “riot”.

• HB 109 defines the term riot as one person with four other people acting in a disorderly manner. Law enforcement are able to decide what is “disorderly manner”, under this law.