California Gov. Gavin Newsom has officially signed The Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act, which restricts the use of rap lyrics as evidence in court in the western state.
The legislation was unanimously approved by the California Senate and Assembly last month. In a press release, the Black Music Action Coalition called the bill a “crucial step in the right direction” of not including racial bias into court proceedings.
It also comes after lyrics were directly quoted and used against YSL rappers Young Thug and Gunna, who have been indicted in an ongoing RICO case. Their lyrics will be used as evidence in the rappers’ upcoming trial in Georgia. Advocates are now looking for similar Federal legislation to be introduced.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.
