NLG Stands With “Aunt Tifa,” Criminalized for Antifascist Phallic Costume

The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) is in solidarity with Renea Gamble, a 62-year old protester who was assaulted by police officers at a "No Kings" protest in Fairhope, Alabama. Former NLG president, David Gespass is representing her, along with his partner, NLG member Kathy Johnson.

After being arrested and handcuffed, Ms. Gamble was asked her name and replied "Aunt Tifa", for which she received a municipal ordinance citation for giving false information to an officer. She is also charged with misdemeanors of disorderly conduct, breach of the peace and resisting arrest. Why was she charged? For wearing an inflatable penis costume. "While the story seems amusing for an outsider, the charges and ramifications of this case are very serious." says David Gespass. "It is an assault on free speech and the freedom to protest. Renea has said from the beginning that it is not she who is on trial, but the Constitution." Recently, several protesters in eggplant costumes were seen at the latest "No Kings" rally.

Arrests and charges against protesters have been increasing in frequency and severity at all levels. However, the Trump administration has faced mixed success in securing convictions. Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles and Chicago have had cases dismissed, while cases like the Prairieland Defendants in Texas have declared anyone who attends an anti-ICE protest, possesses zines, wears black, and uses Signal a "domestic terrorist." In Minneapolis, the Department of Justice has filed charges against over 30 anti-ICE protesters, signaling that if you stand against the Trump administration, you will be subject to punishment. Yet the only thing more unpopular than Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents are artificial intelligence companies, which feed the deportation machine and cause devastating impacts on our communities and planet.

This escalation in protest-related arrests has been turbo-charged during this administration because of the increasing unpopularity of its policies and actions. In turn, it appears that all forms of dissent are being criminalized, in an attempt to push society to fall in line and accept fascist governance.

We demand that the charges against Renea Gamble be dropped. The NLG will continue to protect our movement's right to dissent, protest, and free ourselves.