NO ON HB 2175: PROTECT POLITICAL VIEWPOINTS

The message:

HB 2175 would give prosecutors broad discretion to determine whose political speech and affiliation is protected – and whose is not. If passed, this bill could lead to increased and unfair criminal penalties for a broad range of actions, from demonstrating opposition to elected officials to taking down a Trump sign in your neighborhood.

The recipient:

Your Arizona House Representatives

The impact:

HB 2175 would take Arizona down a dangerous path, especially at a time when people are mobilizing against lawless and unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to vote NO on HB 2175.

[The Form Label field is hidden on ACLU message action forms]

Your Message

Subject Vote NO on HB2175 - Protect ALL Political Affiliations and Viewpoints

The right to free speech, which includes differences in political thought and affiliation, is protected by the U.S. Constitution. But HB 2175 threatens to chill the free expression of Arizonans by empowering prosecutors to apply the law selectively against political viewpoints they disagree with. HB 2175 is written to quell political dissent and intimidate Arizonans from voicing their beliefs, which is why I urge you to vote NO.

Message Body

HB2175 poses a threat to diversity of thought by criminalizing political differences instead of encouraging open, productive political dialogue. If HB2175 were enacted, prosecutors could indiscriminately apply hate crime charges in a wide range of situations, meaning people could face a minimum $250 fine to up to five years in prison, in addition to other penalties. Because the bill's language is so broad, it risks inconsistent and selective application.

Arizona’s recent history also provides reason for concern. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) previously pursued aggressive charges against protestors in politically charged instances. In 2024, prosecutors charged nearly 70 pro-Palestine demonstrators with trespassing following protests at Arizona State University. In 2020, after mass arrests were made on bogus gang charges during racial justice demonstrations, Maricopa County had to pay millions of dollars to protestors who had been arrested and falsely charged. These two incidents underscore that when tensions run high, prosecutor’s actions can lead to overreach that burdens constitutionally protected speech and assembly.

I have the right to speak freely, express my political beliefs, and hold elected officials accountable without fear of retaliation. HB2175 places those fundamental freedoms in direct jeopardy by criminalizing certain people’s political viewpoints.

No Arizonan should have to second guess whether their political advocacy could result in criminal charges. Our state lawmakers should strive to safeguard civil liberties, not create uncertainty and unnecessary intimidation around them. I urge you to vote NO on HB2175.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Your Information

All data you enter here will be shared with the message recipient along with your message, per our privacy statement.

Salutation *

(required by some officials)

ABOUT HONORIFIC TITLES

Many public officials use "web mail forms" that this system will send your message to, so you don't have to visit their web sites to communicate with them. The systems that some of these officials use requires that the honorific field be used (Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc.).

Unfortunately, we do not have control of which honorific titles are presented as options. We must adhere to what the officials are using in order for your message to be delivered.

Alternate salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Address line 2

City *

State *

Zip code *

Phone *

Show my name in a list of action takers.

Sign me up for ACLU emails so I can stay informed and take action to protect people's rights.

I agree to receive calls and texts (including automated recurring text messages) from the ACLU and its state affiliates at the number I provided above about ways to take action and support the ACLU organizations. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to quit. Privacy Statement

Leave this field blank

NO ON HB 2175: PROTECT POLITICAL VIEWPOINTS

Most recent signers:

The message:

The recipient:

The impact:

The message:

The recipient:

The impact:

Recent participants