Upcoming ‘No Kings’ Protests in South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina – The upcoming wave of “No Kings” protests is set for October 18, with various events planned across South Carolina. These protests aim to address significant concerns regarding First Amendment rights and government repression.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina emphasizes that the First Amendment protects even controversial speech from government suppression. Although officials can implement certain restrictions such as requiring permits for large gatherings or limiting volume levels, these regulations must apply fairly to all viewpoints.

Protesters maintain the legal right to express their views through various means, including words, signs, apparel, flyers, and symbolic acts within public spaces like streets, sidewalks, and parks. However, there are narrow restrictions on free speech that can be imposed by police and government officials.

In public spaces, protesters are legally allowed to photograph anything visible while lawfully present. South Carolina operates under a one-party consent law for audio recording, meaning individuals can legally record conversations if they consent, which can also include self-recording.

While there are general freedoms in public spaces, restrictions on photography do apply to private property, where owners can set their own rules. Protesters are encouraged to remain respectful during interactions with law enforcement and to comply with instructions given by police. The ACLU advises against confronting police and provides recommendations on what to do should rights be infringed upon during a protest.

Under South Carolina law (Section 16-7-110), individuals over the age of 16 may not wear masks in public spaces that conceal their identity without written permission from both the property owner and tenant. This regulation led to the arrest of four protesters during the “No Kings” protest on June 14.

Following this event, Attorney General Alan Wilson pinpointed actions that could potentially lead to arrest during protests. The organizers of the “No Kings” events consistently stress their commitment to nonviolent demonstration tactics.

Upcoming gatherings include a protest in Greenville from 2-4 p.m. at Graham Plaza, as well as additional events scheduled in Seneca and Charleston. The protests will take place alongside ongoing national issues such as a government shutdown and criticisms directed at the Trump administration.

A national coalition of civil rights groups is uniting millions for protests across the country, with local organizers expressing their belief that peaceful demonstrations will showcase resilience in the face of governmental intimidation. The “No Kings” website projects millions of participants nationwide in the protests, following the success of previous events.

Safety remains a priority for these upcoming protests, and attendees are advised to stay calm and avoid confrontations with counter-protesters.

Protest Details Overview