Outgoing state Rep. Scott Clem of Gillette is making a statement as he leaves office by organizing a protest rally at the Wyoming State Capitol at noon on Jan. 4.
The “Free Wyoming Rally” will be a chance to “practice our constitutional rights to peaceably assemble and protest the tyranny of our Wyoming State Governor,” Clem wrote in a post on his legislative Facebook page.
Clem added that he scheduled the protest for Jan. 4 because it is the same week the statewide health orders, including the mask mandate, will expire and he wants citizens to “demand it stay that way.”
“The Governor and the Legislature have received thousands of emails from Wyomingites pleading for their rights to be upheld, to operate their businesses without gov’t infringement, to plead for their right to work and make a living, to see their loved ones who now suffer in a make-shift prison with a devalued quality of life, to reign in the power of the state health officer, to stand with Wyoming voters against election fraud in other states, and to stand with President Donald Trump,” Clem wrote.
All of the aforementioned requests have fallen on deaf ears, Clem claimed, adding that some of the people complaining have been ridiculed by government officials.
Clem also said that Wyomingites were being looked as subjects to be controlled by “Big Brother,” a reference to the tyrannical ruler in George Orwell’s novel “1984.”
He also claimed 70% of the state’s residents were “furious because our elected officials won’t stand for election integrity,” referring to Gov. Mark Gordon’s refusal to join a multi-state lawsuit questioning the validity of many votes cast in the presidential election.
“It’s time to take our unheard concerns to his front door at the Capitol,” Clem wrote. “It’s time to make them hear our voices. This is something to take off work for. This is something to assemble en masse for. It’s your turn to stand for the freedoms our fathers gave their lives for.”
A spokesperson for Gov. Mark Gordon told the Casper Star Tribune that the governor is supportive of anyone who carries out their First Amendment rights.
“As for the protests next week, the Governor has heard many criticisms from all sides and understands there are varying perspectives on how to handle this virus and its myriad impacts,” the spokesperson said.
A request for comment sent to the Wyoming Republican Party was not immediately returned as of Tuesday afternoon.
