The Kentucky state legislature passed a bill that makes it in misdemeanor to interrupt a legislative proceeding. The bill stems from a dozen protesters attempting to interrupt a State House vote back in 2023. The bill creates a class A misdemeanor for the first offense for anybody who causes an interruption with “the intent to disrupt, impede, or prevent the General Assembly from conducting business.” We learned when we were young that it is rude to disrupt another person when they’re speaking. Yet, rudeness as a form of protest increasingly happens with legislative proceedings. Democrats opposed the measure, saying it hinders protest. The bill does no such thing. It simply maintains decorum and respect for the legislative process. The bill heads to Governor Andy Beshear’s desk, where he may veto it.
