The Senate is on the verge of passing legislation that would give federal prosecutors extraordinary powers to shut down raves or other musical events in yet another backwards step in the so-called "War on Drugs." The bill would increase the poorly-named "crack house statute," enabling the government to shut down clubs where drugs are found even if the owner isn't involved in any way. The legislation ostensibly is aimed at "protecting children" and "reducing drug use," but instead is another form of regulating where and how mostly young people can converge and enjoy themselves. Additionally, organizations doing harm reduction work in the rave community could potentially be barred from giving out the information that ravers need to stay safe. Details

Dancesafe | Drug Policy Alliance | Full text of bill