Florida lawmakers move to pass ‘anti-riot’ Bill

Florida’s state Senate passed an “anti-riot” Bill in response to widespread protests against racism and police brutality last year in the United States, despite opponents’ arguments that such a measure would limit free speech.

The Bill passed on Thursday in the Republican-controlled chamber with 23 votes in favour and 17 votes against.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the measure into law, strengthening penalties against those participating in protests that turn violent.

DeSantis, a supporter of former president Donald Trump who has been floated as a potential 2024 White House contender, proposed an early version of the “anti-riot” law in September.

The proposal was a response to protests after the death of George Floyd last May. Protests in Florida at the time were mostly peaceful.

Democratic Senator Annette Taddeo accused Republican colleagues of writing a Bill designed to curry support among Trump’s base, who are often DeSantis supporters.

“We have to (instead) pass legislation for all Floridians,” she said.

Senator Danny Burgess, a sponsor of the Bill, defended it, saying it “is about preventing violence.”