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An intrusive new curfew law from the Baltimore City Council forces teenagers to be inside by 9pm or 11pm depending on their age, gives the police carte blanche to hassle them, and hundreds of dollars in fines or forced “counseling” by the city. “‘This bill is not about arresting kids,’ [the bill’s sponsor] reportedly said. ‘This bill is not about dropping crime. It’s about connecting young people and their families with the services they need.’ . . .” Actually, this bill is absolutely about arresting kids. “The legislation, approved 11-2, calls for youngsters under 14 to be indoors year-round by 9 p.m. Youths ages 14 through 16 could stay out until 10 on school nights and 11 on other nights. “Currently, all children and teens younger than 17 can stay out until 11 on weeknights and until midnight on weekends. Parents can be fined up to $300 if their children are caught outside after curfew. “The legislation increases penalties to $500, though they could be waived if parents and children attend counseling sessions provided by the city. . . .” In effect, it will hurt and bully families, and it will massively empower the police at the expense of all young people’s freedom, especially the freedom of young men and women of color. #NoCurfew #AbolishThePolice