Jackson, June 9 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of Mississippi, progressive groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a new state law that forces protesters to get approval from law enforcement officials before holding public actions near or at government buildings in the city of Jackson. 

The law requires prior permission from Mississippi’s public safety commissioner or the state Capitol police chief for demonstrations at the state Supreme Court, the Governor’s Mansion, the state Capitol grounds and other government sites. 

The suit was filed last week by the JXN Undivided Coalition, Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign, Black Voters Matter and others.  The groups say this is an attempt of the white, Republican supermajority to strip predominantly Black communities in and around Jackson of local autonomy and the right to free assembly.  The new law is set to take effect July 1st.