The Louisiana legislation has been referred to as “Blue Lives Matter” — a phrase popularized in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, which exploded following the fatal 2014 police shooting of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, in Ferguson, Mo. Edwards, the Louisiana governor, is expected to sign the “Blue Lives Matter” bill into law as early as next week. Black Lives Matter activists have protested what they deem as excessive force by police, and they have called attention to specific instances in which police shot unarmed civilians. But those who respond with “Blue Lives Matter” argue it’s officers who are under assault — that criticism of police fosters animosity toward law enforcement. The regional director of the Anti-Defamation League said it’s not wise to add occupations to hate-crime protected classes.

Source: National Post May 21, 2016 11:33 UTC