When people are moved to participate in a protest, they are exercising a right protected under the U.S. Constitution. Recently, protests have included Moral Monday, the Women’s March in Washington, and most recently, protests at airports against newly enacted governmental policies. While protesting is legal, there are some cautions about actions that can happen during a protest that may still get one charged with a crime.
Obstructing traffic, disorderly conduct, trespass, permit violations, and failure to disperse can result in an arrest. Know your rights and know the laws. Here is a resource of North Carolina statutes that apply. The web page of our Conference Board of Church and Society has more information.