Utah bill cracking down on protests criticized as ‘invasion of our First Amendment rights’

The measure creates a new criminal penalty for protesters who break the law while wearing masks or face coverings.

By: Annie Knox

Outlets: Utah News Dispatch

Published: February 20, 2026

Words: 679

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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A Utah lawmaker says he wants to crack down on acts of violence at future protests, but critics say his proposal could land masked demonstrators in jail for minor infractions or even for crimes committed by someone else.

Rep. Tyler Clancy said he intends for those committing more serious crimes to get hit with the new misdemeanor charge his bill would create, rather than demonstrators crossing a road at the wrong time.

“Key …

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