The state of Maine has passed a new law aimed at restricting paramilitary training activities in response to a neo-Nazi individual who sought to establish a training center for a “blood tribe.” The bill, signed into law by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, allows the attorney general to seek a court injunction to stop paramilitary training intended to sow civil disorder, with penalties of up to a year in jail. Rep. Laurie Osher introduced the bill in response to the rise in harassment and intolerance towards diversity in the state, emphasizing that Maine should not be a place for those seeking to establish white ethno-states.
Supporters of the new law argue that it is necessary to prevent the creation of shadow military forces that could lead to civil unrest, while opponents express concerns about potential constitutional rights violations. Attorney General Aaron Frey noted that militias not following civilian leadership orders are already prohibited under the Maine Constitution, but the new law provides a mechanism for criminal charges against individuals using military training to incite civil disorder, as it was alleged the neo-Nazi individual Christopher Pohlhaus intended to do. Pohlhaus has hinted at potentially trying to establish another training facility in a more discreet manner in the future.
The passage of this law in Maine follows a similar action taken by Vermont last year, which banned individuals from owning and operating paramilitary training camps. This legislation was a response to a firearms training facility, known as Slate Ridge, being built without permits and causing disturbances in the neighborhood. The Vermont law prohibits the teaching, training, or demonstration of making or using firearms, explosives, or incendiary devices to incite civil disorder, with violators facing up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. This legislation does not apply to law enforcement or educational institutions like Norwich University.
The Maine law aims to address concerns raised by constituents about the increase in harassment and intolerance towards diversity within the state. Rep. Osher clarified that the law does not target any specific group but aims to prevent individuals with intentions of creating white ethno-states from establishing paramilitary training centers in Maine. Attorney General Frey emphasized that prior to the legislation, there was no legal recourse to address individuals using military training for the purpose of inciting civil disorder, highlighting the importance of this new law in providing necessary enforcement measures.Overall, the passage of this legislation reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies that could lead to civil unrest.
