Critics of a new Louisiana law, which makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of a police officer under certain circumstances, fear that the measure could hinder the public’s ability to film officers — a tool that has increasingly been used to hold police accountable.

Under the law, anyone who is convicted of “knowingly or intentionally” approaching an officer, who is “lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties,” and after being ordered to “stop approaching or retreat” faces up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail or both. The law was signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, Tuesday and goes into effect Aug. 1.

While the legislation’s language does not specifically mention filming, critics say that by default it would limit how close a person can be to observe police. Opponents have also gone further to question the law’s constitutionality, saying it could impede on a person’s First Amendment rights.

  • Zorsith
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    44
    ·
    7 months ago

    <red tailed hawk screech with image of an eagle>

    • Nelots@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      9
      ·
      7 months ago

      I remember learning about this a few months ago. It’s wild. Actual bald eagles sound so friendly in comparison.

      • Zorsith
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        7 months ago

        Apparently bald eagles really aren’t that different from seagulls, or so I’ve heard.