New Law Brings Up Concerns Over Free Speech - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Burlington, Vermont - When the President is in a crowded place, there is always concern for safety. But, a new law has some people questioning whether safety measures have gone too far.

"It takes what should be exercising our first amendment rights, and sometimes it's a responsibility to stand up and speak, and it makes it a Federal offense," Bill Oetjen from the Occupy Vermont movement said.

Oetjen and others are planning a protest at President Obama's upcoming visit to the Green Mountain State. But, now he is worried that his protest could be stopped by the Secret Service.

"It's going to effect groups across the board, left to right," Oetjen said.

That is because last week, the President signed what is known as the Trespass Bill after it sailed through the House and Senate. It allows the Secret Service to decide whether people can protest near Federal government events. And, if the Secret Service decides they cannot, protestors can be charged with a felony.

"The government's justification is that we need this to keep the public order and the public peace," Constitutional law professor Cheryl Hanna said.

Hanna says that argument is justified in a world with terrorism. But, she has some concerns especially since the government already tells protestors that they cannot stand in certain areas surrounding Federal events.

"I think there is some reason to be concerned about this law. We'll have to see how the government enforces it," Hanna said.