Senator Removes His Support to America's R.A.V.E. Act

Senator Leahy, the man behind America's RAVE act has withdrawn his support from the draconian bill this week, in a move welcomed by activists.

"This is the best news so far," said a spokesperson from the Drug Policy Alliance. "The loss of his support is an encouraging sign that our legislators are beginning to understand that the RAVE Act is too broad."

The Senator's U turn followed massive protests from clubbers including last week's demonstrations, when thousands of electronic music fans co-ordinated parties in LA, New York, Washington and San Francisco. DJs including Garth Trinidad, DJ Colette and DJ Chi performed at the afternoon events, which were intended to keep up the fight against the bill, which is still expected to receive a full Congress vote within weeks.

"If clubs start to shut down because of this bill, then everybody loses," said DJ Chi who MCed the event in Washington.

"Music retailers can't move their equipment, liquor wholesalers can't sell their liquor and promoters are threatened with the loss of their livelihood," he said.

"We are trying to expand our coalition here; we need a reggae band and a rock band. This bill is aimed at the entire music industry."

Dance organisation EMDEF also urged music fans to keep up the pressure.

"Now more than ever it is important for everyone to contact their senators especially the other co-sponsors of the RAVE Act and urge them to follow Senator Leahy's lead," they said in a statement.

"Your emails, faxes, phone calls, and letters do make a difference."
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