Connecticut’s Government Administration and Elections Committee should hold a hearing and pass Proposed Bill 244, which would bar those convicted of crimes related to insurrections from being a Connecticut candidate, government official or state employee. CREW sent a letter to the committee urging action.

Every institution committed to upholding our democracy and the rule of law has the responsibility to ensure that something like January 6th never happens again, and Connecticut’s proposed bill does just that. The bill would prevent future antidemocratic attacks at a state level and ensure that those who tried to overthrow our democracy are not permitted to run it.

This legislation builds upon efforts to enforce  Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution, which bars those who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, after having previously taken an oath to support it, from holding office. CREW previously urged members of Congress and state legislators to investigate if their colleagues who participated in the January 6  insurrection are constitutionally disqualified from office, and also will  pursue disqualification proceedings against former-President Trump based on his engagement in the January 6 insurrection

The January 6 insurrection was a shameful day for our nation. The fact that individuals who participated in that attack continue to serve in government throughout the country represents an acute threat to the future vitality of our democracy.

Photo by Sage Ross under a Creative Commons license.

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