FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Mark Cohen D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/cohen

Cohen aims to extend right to free speech

HARRISBURG, May 24 – State Rep. Mark Cohen has introduced legislation that would allow workers’ unions free speech access in shopping malls.

Cohen, D-Phila., said his legislation (H.B. 1383) would permit employee bargaining agencies to distribute literature, gather signatures on petitions or membership cards, and host tables in the interior walkways of malls and at shopping centers or any other large retail establishments that host commerce.

Further, the space would have to be made available to the organization free of charge, Cohen said.

“The walkways and open spaces in our commerce centers ought to be receptive to free speech,” Cohen said. “Malls attract diverse groups and can be a great place for organizations to access these different populations.”

Cohen said current law does not prohibit such action, but his legislation would ensure free speech in these areas is statutorily protected, not just for unions but for all political, community, religious and citizens’ groups.

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