Another nationwide protest is coming, and this time it’s on a Thursday.
Louisville and Kentucky residents have options for “Good Trouble Lives On” events around the state as well as adjacent states, including Southern Indiana and the Cincinnati, Ohio, area.
Your First Amendment right to assemble comes with some restrictions. Here’s a look at what people should know before heading out to a protest.
Protesters’ rights: What you can and can’t do during a protest
Protestors are granted certain freedoms under the First Amendment, including the right to:
Demonstrate, such as taking part in a rally or march
Donate to groups and political candidates
Get together with other people to talk about issues
These rights come with limitations, however.
ACLU of Kentucky lists a few legal rules and tips for attending protests, among other suggestions:
Your right to free speech is strongest in public spaces, such as streets, sidewalks and parks. Speech can be restricted on private property.
In the event of a counter-protest, police can separate the two groups — as long as the groups can still see and hear each other. But they must treat protesters and counter-protesters equally.
Memorize an emergency contact’s phone number or write it on your arm in case you lose your phone or other belongings.
Can police disperse protests?
Police may shut down a protest through a dispersal order, according to the ACLU, but it must be used as a last resort in situations where there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder or interference with traffic, as well as any other immediate threats to public safety.
If officers choose to do so, they must provide protestors a reasonable opportunity to comply with the order, including sufficient time and a clear, unobstructed exit path, ACLU says.
Demonstrators must be given clear details concerning the order before they are arrested or charged with any crime, according to ACLU. These include information about how much time they have to disperse, the consequences of failing to do so, and what clear exit route they can follow.
What to do if you believe your rights have been violated
ACLU of Kentucky suggests the following:
Write down everything you remember when you can, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
Get contact information for witnesses.
If you’re injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of any injuries.
File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
What to do if you are stopped by police
Stay calm with your hands visible.
Ask if you are free to leave.
If you are under arrest, ask why and request a lawyer.
You do not have to answer any questions.
You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. Police may “pat down” your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon. If you refuse a search, that may not stop them from searching you against your will, but objecting before it happens or during the search can be helpful in legal proceedings.
Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete any data.
What are ‘Good Trouble’ protests?
The phrase being used for this series of protests adopts a phrase commonly used by former House Representative John Lewis. He insisted it was important to engage in “good trouble, necessary trouble” to achieve positive social change.
Lewis died on July 17, 2020, and organizers asked his family’s permission to use his name with this week’s protests to honor his legacy in the civil rights movement.
When and where are protests in Kentucky?
Locations with no address listed require an RSVP for additional information.
Frankfort: 5:30-7 p.m. at Kentucky State Capitol
Hazard: 4-7:15 p.m. at Daniel Boone Plaza
Lexington: 6-8 p.m. at Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse
Munford: 4-5:30 p.m. at Hart County Courthouse
Paducah: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at WC Young Community Center
Shepherdsville: 5:30-7 p.m. at Shepherdsville City Park Pavilion
Stanford: 6-7 p.m. at Lincoln County Courthouse
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: ‘Good Trouble’ protests are happening around Kentucky today. Know your rights