Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Puts Forward Bill to Criminalize Criticism of Non-White People

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has reportedly now sponsored legislation to criminalize “conspiracy to commit white supremacy,” which includes criticism of non-white persons that leads someone to conduct a hate crime.

H.R.61, the “Leading Against White Supremacy Act of 2023,” was introduced on Monday by Texas Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has introduced a House Bill to criminalize “conspiracy to commit white supremacy,” which includes any criticism of non-white people that influences (such as something published or said online) someone who commits a hate crime. https://t.co/QD93bVJmA9 pic.twitter.com/ROwLtvYIha
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) January 15, 2023

Following the failed attempt by the Biden administration to control Americans’ internet speech, Jackson Lee sponsored the Leading Against White Supremacy Act of 2023, which would criminalize some types of hate speech.

The bill’s language is wide, and those who share such information information, including on social media, might face criminal prosecution. A fact which has lead some critics to wonder whether or not the legislation would be a violation of the 1st amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The law would make anybody who publishes white supremacist materials liable if those materials were later proved to have been utilized in a hate crime or otherwise inspired it.

The bill was withdrawn as the Republican-led Congress begins a new term following a tumultuous first week of 15 rounds of voting for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

In spite of the controversy surrounding the bill, Jackson Lee’s measure is unlikely to succeed in the Republican-controlled House.