Pennsylvanians deserve the right to free speech without the threat of costly litigation standing in the way of their First Amendment protection.
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are complaints filed to intimidate individuals and deter them from speaking out in public forums. The threat of legal action as a means of preventing free speech has been used to silence whistleblowers, journalists, and political protestors. SLAPPs target citizens for their free speech on issues of public concern. They are a form of cancel culture – they weaponize the legal system to penalize protest and silence free speech.
Anti-SLAPP legislation (formerly HB95/SB95) introduced by policymakers in Harrisburg would provide defense against frivolous, yet costly, lawsuits that prevent against online or written speech. This legislation would protect the Constitutional rights of Pennsylvanians to participate in free speech, whether it be through online reviews or public protests, without the threat of well-funded groups or businesses retaliating through legal action.
Thank you for prioritizing the protection of our right to free speech!