Activists Help Slow RAVE Act Momentum

Civil liberties campaigners challenging the anti electronic music R.A.V.E. act appear to have succeeded in delaying the passage of the bill, which threatens to devestate US nightlife. Top ACLU lawyer Graham Boyd testified against the act at a Congressional public hearing last week and identified key flaws in the draconian bill.

"The RAVE Act serves as a clear assault on raves and electronic music," he said.

"The reality is that property owners, promoters, and event coordinators could be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars or face up to twenty years in federal prison if they hold raves or other events on their property - Even if they work hard to deter drug use."

Mr Boyd cited the example of State Palace Theatre owner Robert Brunet who, despite helping DEA agents dress as undercover ravers, found himself facing 20 years in jail for essentially tolerating glow sticks and rave accessories.

"In light of current DEA enforcement strategies, which use the Crack House Statute against innocent rave promoters, it becomes particularly troubling that the bill provides no protection for legitimate rave events," he continued.

"Whether intentional or not, the bill opens the door to decimation of electronic music and dance, one of the most popular and vibrant forms of popular culture today."

Following Mr Boyd's testimony, fellow civil liberties campaigners from the Drug Policy Alliance warned that "while we are not out of the water yet, the Drug Policy Alliance's national campaign has likely stopped the bill for the year."
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