'The Ohio Patriot Act'

"Bill would allow arrests for no reason in public places"

Monday December 19, 2005
Courtesy of: News5
http://newsnet5.com

A bill on Gov. Bob Taft's desk right now is drawing a lot of criticism.

One state representative said it resembles Gestapo-style tactics of government, and there could be changes coming on the streets of Ohio's small towns and big cities.

The Ohio Patriot Act has made it to Taft's desk, and with the stroke of a pen, it would most likely become the toughest terrorism bill in the country.

The lengthy piece of legislation would let police arrest people in public places who will not give their names, address and birth dates, even if they are not doing anything wrong.

WEWS reported it would also pave the way for everyone entering critical transportation sites such as, train stations, airports and bus stations to show ID.

"It brings us frighteningly close to a show me your papers society," said Carrie Davis of the ACLU, which opposes the Ohio Patriot Act.

"the variety of people who are opposed to this is not Just a group of the usual suspects.
we have people far right and to the left, opposing the bill who think it is a bad idea,"
said Al McGinty, NewsChannel5's terrorism expert.