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Oregon Senate Approves Noose Intimidation Bill

Chris Lehman
/
KLCC

The Oregon Senate voted Thursday to advance a bill that would make it a crime to display a noose as an act of intimidation.

Senate Bill 398 would make it a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 364 days behind bars, a $6,250 fine, or both.

  

 

Sen. James Manning, D-Eugene, was one of several lawmakers who said they wished such a bill would not be necessary. 

“I wish that we had a society where everyone, regardless of what you look like, where you live, who you love, who much money you make, or don’t, could live in peace and harmony and don’t have to worry about threats and intimidation," said Manning, who is one of a handful of Black lawmakers at the Oregon capitol. "We’re not there yet.” 

The penalties do not apply to someone who displays a noose on their own property. The bill passed 27-to-1 and now heads to the Oregon House. 

 

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
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