Music lovers and civil libertarians across the United States have planned demonstrations today to protest against a law that would make it easier to fine and jail club owners for the drug use of their customers.
They say the latest version of the RAVE Act will put a wet blanket on the electronic and rave-music scene, a move they say tramples on their constitutional right to free speech.
"We're going to protest and we're going to make some noise," said Susan Mainzer, who owns a Los Angeles public-relations firm that represents music promoters.
"Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the First Amendment," she said in a telephone interview. "That includes making music."
The law, signed last month, was originally introduced last year as the RAVE Act -- or Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act -- and aimed at all-night parties where drugs such as ecstasy are popular. Critics said it was too narrowly focused on raves and it was defeated.
This year, it was redrafted to cover concerts and one-time events such as rock festivals, and tacked onto a bill that addresses child safety.
Critics say federal prosecutors could use the law to crack down on nearly any kind of crowd-drawing event, from rock concerts to sporting events. It also applies to cruise-ship operators, landlords and homeowners.
Protests are planned in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle.