NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than a dozen activists were taken into custody overnight after handcuffing themselves to a fence outside the State Capitol.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said 14 were arrested on a charge of criminal trespassing.
NewsChannel 5 was there as THP troopers used bolt cutters to remove the handcuffs from the fence and take the demonstrators away.
A group has been outside the Capitol for two months, calling for the removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust at the Capitol and protesting bills meant to crack down on their own protests. They're also asking to speak to Governor Bill Lee.
The protests came after lawmakers passed a bill that stiffens penalties for anyone camping illegally outside of the state capitol, making it a felony.
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Activists protest as lawmakers pass law targeting demonstrations on state property
