Dakota Rural Action has joined the American Civil Liberties Union as a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against the state of South Dakota. DRA Board Chairman John Harter says they’re challenging state legislation recently passed to establish a fund to receive civil recoveries and offset costs incurred from protests conducted against the Dakota Access and Keystone XL Pipelines.
DRA Director Frank James says Senate Bill 189 violates the First Amendment and they want the law thrown out.
Harter says this latest violation of free speech follows improper conduct by pipelines pushing their projects over citizen’s rights.
Harter adds that when the state tries to govern through fear, the only response is to fearlessly stand up to them. He says the Governor only consulted with the pipeline, law enforcement and others of like opinions prior to introducing Senate Bill 189.
