Free Speech is for Everyone

July 21, 2020

It’s come to my attention that several dozen lawn signs supporting the Black Lives Matter movement have been taken from people’s homes in our district – especially in Haddam and Higganum. And even some replacement signs have been removed. While it may be tempting, in our highly divided times, to try to silence views that differ from our own, this is theft of private property. And it’s an insult to everyone who believes in the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech.

I’m grateful once again for the leadership shown by Haddam First Selectman Bob McGarry, who has alerted law enforcement and issued the following statement:

“Attempts to silence others and trample on their opinions is a direct affront to the values on which our country was formed. Free speech is vital to a functioning democracy. Like you, I believe people should be able to express their beliefs regardless of whether I agree with them or not and regardless of how much those beliefs may offend me. I hope you’ve heard me say, as I’ve said it many times, that disagreement often leads to progress but only if we’re open to listening to those with whom we disagree…”

Additionally, I’m grateful to Higganum resident Peter Baird, who has gathered 100 signatures on an open letter to the community which reads, in part:

“In these highly partisan times, it’s important for people to be able to respectfully express their viewpoints, in conversations, in media and in any signs or messages that residents may choose to put on their own property. Stealing signs is not only an infringement on property rights, but is an attempt to silence free speech and political expressions, and exacerbates the divisions in our town— we’d feel the same way about any signs that are taken, whether they be for Trump, for Biden, or for any mainstream political cause.”

Finally, a reminder as we enter campaign season: political lawn signs are protected under the free speech amendment, and theft of them is a crime. Please respect all your neighbors as they express their individual political affiliations and ideology – a civil right which is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights

Black Lives Matter