ICNL seeks to create a legal environment that protects and strengthens nonprofits, activists, and philanthropy in the United States. We promote freedoms of association, assembly, and expression by analyzing trends in civic space, tracking state and federal laws affecting protest, and providing nonprofit organizations with information about legal compliance and risk management. The U.S. program also aims to reduce the negative impact on civil society of “foreign agent” legislation and counter-terrorism measures.
United States Program
Be sure to browse our U.S. Protest Law Tracker, Current Trends, and Highlights.
Highlights
New Wave of Legislation Targeting Black Lives Matter Protesters
Hours after President Trump’s supporters overran the U.S. Capitol, Florida Governor DeSantis introduced a new law targeting demonstrators. Governor DeSantis claimed that “[i]n light of today’s events at our United States Capitol,” there was “no time to waste” to enact the Florida bill’s strict measures. However, this bill was first announced back in September and aimed at cracking down on Black Lives Matter protesters. Read about this bill and more in our latest U.S. Current Trend that explores this issue.
A Proposal to Repair the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
President-elect Joe Biden has made revitalizing democracy at home and abroad central to plans for his new administration. This piece in Just Security by ICNL’s Elly Page and Nick Robinson lays out five actions that the incoming administration can take to better protect the freedom of assembly.
Reforms Introduced to Protect the Freedom of Assembly
In the wake of complaints about law enforcement’s response to the George Floyd protests, local, state, and the federal government have proposed reforms to better protect the freedom of assembly. These reforms are not necessarily best practices and in some cases could be further strengthened, but they represent important efforts to better protect assembly rights. Visit our resource page here.
COVID-19 and U.S. Civic Space: Anti-Mask Laws, Freedom of Assembly, and More
The coronavirus is a significant threat to public health; it does not need to be a significant threat to civic freedom. All 50 states, as well as the federal government, have now declared emergencies and issued a range of executive orders to combat the spread of the virus. Emergency public health measures that adversely affect assembly, association, or public participation should always be based on science, appropriately tailored, and of limited duration. Learn more here.
The Foreign Agents Registration Act Is Broken
The Foreign Agents Registration Act has become a central policy tool to respond to foreign interference in U.S. politics. However, stepping up enforcement of FARA before reforming the act is a recipe for disaster. FARA is overbroad and has been used to target U.S. activists and nonprofits. Find out more by reading our article in Foreign Policy entitled The Foreign Agents Registration Act is Broken.
Key Resources
Coronavirus and Civic Space in the U.S.
The coronavirus is a significant threat to public health; it does not need to be a significant threat to civic freedom.
U.S. Protest Law Tracker
Started in 2017, the tracker compiles bills – proposed, enacted, or rejected – that could restrict the right to peaceful assembly around the United States.
Foreign Agents Registration Act
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) has been used to target nonprofits, activists, and others. Learn more about the impact on civil society of its broad and vague provisions.
Freedom of Assembly
The ability to protest is a cornerstone of U.S. democracy. Browse ICNL’s resources on current threats to the right of assembly in the United States, including legislative briefers, analyses, and reports.
Compliance & Risk Management
This page provides resources for U.S. nonprofits seeking to comply with federal and state laws as well as learn more about risk management.
Global Grantmaking Country Notes
In partnership with the Council on Foundations, ICNL maintains reports on thirty-four countries to assist U.S grantmakers when they undertake equivalency determinations for foreign grantees.