Maine Governor Signs Law to Curb Paramilitary Training Aimed at Civil Unrest

The new legislation, signed by Governor Janet Mills, targets unauthorized paramilitary activities that could foster civil disorder, with penalties including jail time and fines.

• Governor Janet Mills of Maine has enacted a law restricting paramilitary training, in response to a neo-Nazi's attempt to establish a training center.
• The law allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to halt such training and to prosecute offenders, with potential penalties of up to a year in jail.
• The bill was introduced following concerns about increasing harassment and intolerance linked to growing diversity in Maine.
• Critics of the bill argue it could infringe on constitutional rights, while supporters see it as essential for preventing shadow military forces.
• The law does not specifically target any group but applies broadly to any paramilitary activity intended to incite civil disorder.

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