- Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt plans to introduce the Public Safety Free Speech Act. This legislation aims to protect first responders’ free speech rights, ensuring they can express opinions without fear of retaliation.
- The act would protect first responders across various sectors from disciplinary actions or job loss due to their political or personal beliefs.
- There would also be exceptions listed, including threats of violence and the disclosure of confidential information.
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A Republican senator is reportedly planning to introduce legislation this week that would reportedly protect first responders‘ free speech rights to ensure they can freely express themselves without fear of retaliation.
The National Review reported Tuesday April 1, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is set to announce the Public Safety Free Speech Act, which aims to make sure first responders are able to express their opinions about workplace matters and their political and religious views.
In a statement to the National Review, Schmitt said:
“For too long the First Amendment rights of our dedicated first responders have been restricted on the basis of their job. First responders have faced penalties, suspensions or even been fired for voicing their opinions or being politically active, even when they are off duty.”
Who filed lawsuits over getting fired?
In 2022, a former New York Police officer claimed he was fired from the department for his right-wing political views and his relationships with former Donald Trump adviser Roger Stone and “Manhattan Madam” Kristin Davis.
According to a lawsuit, Salvatore Greco was at the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and was seen with Stone and Davis at a hotel in the 2000s but was never accused of doing anything illegal or violent at the insurrection.
In a separate incident in 2022, a former Kissimmee, Florida, police officer said he was fired for social media posts supporting President Donald Trump, despite what he said was a spotless record on the force.
Andrew Johnson sued the city of Kissimmee and said he was discriminated against for being a white man and for his political views.
He argued his posts were protected by free speech.
Who would be protected under the new legislation?
Employers listed in the bill include law enforcement agencies, fire districts, medical agencies and various types of municipalities.
While the concept of safeguarding free speech for first responders has been discussed at state and local levels, Schmitt’s version would be a federal legislative effort aimed at addressing these concerns on a national scale.
Schmitt’s proposal specifically focuses on protecting first responders from professional consequences, such as disciplinary action or job loss, due to expressing political views or opinions related to their work or personal beliefs.
The Public Safety Free Speech Act, according to the National Review, includes provisions against threats of violence, advocacy for discrimination, disclosing confidential information and pushing for the diminishment of vital services.
Schmitt told the outlet that employees punished for their political views would be able to bring legal action against their employer.