DC ANTI-TERRORISM BILL IN THE WORKS

District of Columbia officials are considering passage of a DC Anti-Terrorism Bill (B14-737). States around the country are passing similar legislation as a follow-up to the passage of the U.S. Patriot Act, which dispensed with many of our civil liberties. A draft of DC's Anti-Terrorism Bill offers one particularly disturbing definition of terrorism as an attempt to: "Influence
the policy or conduct of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion" (14-373, Sec. 102.1.B). Those providing material support or resources, and those soliciting, or attempting to raise or collect "material support or resources" in connection with an act of 'terrorism' also face strict penalties of 10-20 years in prison.

The Bill is currently being marked up and will probably be voted on by the Judiciary Committee at the end of this month. Once it passes it moves to the City Council, where it will be introduced and voted upon.

D.C. residents can educate themselves, and register their interest and concerns about the Bill at every step of this process. It is imperative that attempts by D.C. officials to dismantle civil liberties be met with knowledgeable argument, and resistance.

Residents can call their council member, or the Judiciary Committee with questions or concerns. To request a copy of the latest draft, residents should call the Judiciary Committee at (202) 724-7808, or Kathy Patterson's office (Chair of the Judiciary Committee) at (202) 724-8062.

Washington Peace Center
1801 Columbia Road NW, Suite 104
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-2000