Project Say Something Opposes SB 247: Defending the Right to Protest in Alabama

On April 2, 2025, the Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee approved Senate Bill 247 (SB 247), a measure that seeks to impose restrictions on protests near residences and places of employment. Introduced by Senator Arthur Orr, the bill aims to prohibit the use of artificial noise amplification during protests at or near a residence with the intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb, and restricts picketing or protesting during certain hours. Violations could result in criminal penalties, including Class C or Class B misdemeanors for repeat offenses. 

Camille Bennett, founder and executive director of Project Say Something, testified against SB 247 during the committee hearing. She emphasized that the bill's vague language could be used to suppress lawful protests, particularly in rural areas where protests often occur near residential zones.

"Alabama is the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Black folk in Alabama understand the necessity of exercising our First Amendment rights as a pathway to freedom and navigation through white supremacist systems," Bennett stated.

Bennett also pointed out that terms like "harass" and "disturb" are subjective and could be interpreted broadly by law enforcement, potentially leading to the criminalization of peaceful protests. She argued that SB 247 is not only a bad bill but an assault on the First Amendment rights and voices of marginalized Alabamians.​

Other senators expressed concerns about the bill's implications. Senator Merika Coleman questioned how peaceful protests could occur in urban areas like downtown Birmingham without being near residential zones. Senator Kirk Hatcher noted that public officials, by virtue of their positions, should expect a certain level of public scrutiny and engagement.

Despite these concerns, the committee advanced SB 247, and it is now pending further consideration in the Alabama Senate.​

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, the chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, speaks to reporters after a presentation on the state's fiscal condition on Feb. 5, 2025, at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery. The Senate County and Municipal Government Committee on Wednesday approved Orr's bill to set restrictions on picketing and protests. (Alabama Reflector / Brian Lyman)

Call to Action: Oppose SB 247

Project Say Something urges community members to take action against SB 247. Here's how you can get involved:​

1. Contact Your State Senator! Join Our Advocacy Efforts: Use this link to participate in the letter-writing campaign organized by Project Say Something to raise awareness about the implications of SB 247.​ Express your opposition to SB 247 and emphasize the importance of protecting First Amendment rights.​

2. Stay Informed: Follow updates on SB 247 and other legislation affecting civil liberties in Alabama.​

Together, we can defend the right to protest and ensure that all voices are heard in our democracy.​

For more information and resources, visit Project Say Something's website.