Statement by Steven A. Tolman, President Massachusetts AFL-CIO on Not Guilty Verdict in ‘Top Chef’ Trial

We commend the jury in the US District Court who decided, in their not guilty verdict today, to protect one of the most valued and important rights we hold dear as Americans: the right to protest. I do not condone any behavior that spreads intolerance, violence or hate. But the jury understood that the Hobbs Act – a statute meant to apply to robbery and extortion – has no relevance to a picket line. Advocates for fairness and justice – whether it’s for good jobs or civil rights, equal marriage or affordable housing – should be cheering today’s decision.