Like a child given the gift of a chemistry set. The child if not guided responsibly will tend to create and use to its' full capability.
Tear gas falls in the realm of a chemical weapon.
BEMA International
Councilmember Nadeau Introduces Bill
Banning Use of Tear Gas by District Police
Washington,
DC – In response to the
recent reporting of the use of tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters
in the District of Columbia and
cities across the country, Councilmember
Brianne K. Nadeau has introduced the Internationally Banned Chemical
Weapon Prohibition Amendment Act of 2020, which prohibits
the use of chemical irritants like tear gas by MPD in the dispersal of
first amendment assemblies. While the District cannot make the same mandate of federal agencies, the bill
directs the Mayor to communicate
this policy to any agency operating in the District of Columbia.
Tear gas and similar substances have been banned by international treaty for use in warfare since the Geneva Protocol of 1925,
but the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1992 includes a carve-out for domestic use.
“We
have a responsibility
to protect our residents from unnecessary and inhumane riot
tactics from law enforcement
officials while they are peacefully carrying out their First Amendment rights. We want to make it very clear that is unacceptable to use tear gas or any chemical weapon that is banned in international warfare
on our residents,” said
Councilmember Nadeau.
Nadeau
adds, “The District of Columbia is home to an engaged
constituency whorightfully and frequently attend First Amendment demonstrations. If our residents do not feel
safe peacefully protesting, we are silencing them. There are more
steps that we need to take, but it is critical that we take this first
step immediately”.
The
bill is being co-introduced by Councilmembers David Grosso, Elissa Silverman, Robert
White, Brandon Todd, and Trayon White.
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