NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Law makers are considering a new law that would outlaw camping on any public property in Tennessee. Protestors with Occupy Nashville said the new bill is aimed directly at them.
One person Wednesday afternoon said they've heard lawmakers are simply fed up with their presence here.
That house bill, with fresh amendments Wednesday, was written to protect state lands for all Tennesseans. It clearly states that people setting up tents, toilets or other personal items to camp where camping isn't allowed would be in violation.
Occupiers said the original bill unfairly targeted the homeless. Now they believe the amended version is after them. Law makers said they have intention of stopping someone from protesting, but the camping here and what it has also attracted to the area.
"Crime has increased almost 90% in the last four months here on this block. Don't believe me? Go get the records yourself," said Rep. Eric Watson of Cleveland.
Lawmakers said anyone is free to protest and any time on public property, but setting up a camp, including tents, sleeping bags and other gear keeps all Tennesseans from enjoying state owned lands.
"Occupy Nashville has never really been about real estate. It's been about occupying public places to make our presence known to say we're not going to take this treatment from our elected officials. We want money out of government and we want the end of corporate personhood," said Dorsey Malina with Occupy Nashville.
On Wednesday the bill passed the House Judiciary Subcommittee. If it is eventually passed and turned into law, protesters at Legislative Plaza said it won't stop them they'll keep the movement going no matter what.
