Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

LaMountain bill would protect employees’

First Amendment rights in the workplace

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation that would protect employees’ First Amendment rights in the workplace.

The bill (2025-S 0126) would protect the rights of employees in the workplace who refuse attendance at employer-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious matters, as well as refusing to listen to a political or religious speech.

“This legislation aims to find a middle ground in protecting the free speech rights of employees without trampling on the free speech rights of employers,” said Senator LaMountain, who serves as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Political coercion is becoming a more widespread problem in the workplace. Captive audience meetings, where employers require workers to listen to political, religious or anti-union rhetoric on company time, is a serious threat to individual liberty, and this bill seeks to curb that practice.”

Employees aggrieved by discipline or discharge by the employer would have the right to bring a civil action against the employer seeking equitable relief and/or compensatory damages including attorneys’ fees and costs.

The measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming.                                                    

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