FACT CHECK: South Dakota Riot Boosting Law Is Clear, Protects First Amendment

CLAIM: The ACLU of South Dakota claims that a new state law designed to reduce the risks associated with pipeline construction and protect workers “(chills) protected speech and (fails) to adequately describe what speech or conduct could subject protesters and organizations to criminal and civil penalties.”

RATING: False

FACT CHECK

As previously noted, the new law does not threaten free speech. Additionally, the language in Senate Bill 189 is clear on the violent behavior the law seeks to address:

In addition to any other liability or criminal penalty under law, a person is liable for riot boosting, jointly …