PoliticsCNPPark Cannon, Voting Rights, SB202, Georgia, Arrest, Politics, Local NewsComment

Queer Georgia Lawmaker Park Cannon Receives Outpouring of Support Following State Capitol Arrest

PoliticsCNPPark Cannon, Voting Rights, SB202, Georgia, Arrest, Politics, Local NewsComment
Queer Georgia Lawmaker Park Cannon Receives Outpouring of Support Following State Capitol Arrest
 
Georgia State Representative Park Cannon

Georgia State Representative Park Cannon

There has been an outpouring of support for queer Democratic State Rep. Park Cannon (D-58) in the aftermath of her March 25 arrest, where she was apprehended by Georgia State Troopers at the office of Gov. Brian Kemp. In a viral video that has been viewed over two million times on Twitter, Cannon can be seen knocking on Kemp’s office door during the signing of SB 202, a controversial voting rights bill critics say targets Black and Brown voters, effectively making it harder for minorities to exercise their right to vote. 

Kemp signed the bill which was passed along party lines, within an hour of its passage. Surrounded by a group of all white male Republican colleagues, Kemp tweeted his support of the bill: “I was proud to sign S.B. 202 to ensure elections in Georgia are secure, fair, and accessible. I appreciate the hard work of members of the General Assembly to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.”

In the disturbing video that completely overshadowed Kemp’s live-stream of the bill’s signing and the media coverage following the bill becoming law, Cannon is forcibly removed and sometimes dragged by the Georgia State Troopers throughout the State Capitol to an awaiting police vehicle. 

“Tell me where I am going and why I am being arrested,” Cannon asks.

“Do not push my stomach,” she says.

“My arms hurt terribly. I do not understand why I am being arrested.” 

According to arrest warrants obtained by AJC, Cannon was detained for “knowingly and intentionally” knocking on Kemp’s door during a bill signing and “stomping” on an officer’s foot three times.” 

Cannon faces two felony charges—willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence and preventing or disrupting General Assembly sessions or other meetings of members—third offense.

Cannon was released from Fulton County Jail on March 26. She tweeted her thanks to supporters shortly after her release: 

“Hey everyone, thank you for your support. I’ve been released from jail. I am not the first Georgian to be arrested for fighting voter suppression. I’d love to say I’m the last, but we know that isn’t true.” #SB202

“But someday soon that last person will step out of jail for the last time and breathe a first breath knowing that no one will be jailed again for fighting for the right to vote.” #SB202”

Supporters also assembled for a peaceful protest and voting rights rally at Liberty Plaza on March 26. Several politicians, including newly elected Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock, who visited Cannon before her release, and staunch voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams were among the politicians and community leaders who tweeted their support of Cannon.

 
Park Cannon Statement.jpeg
 
 

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