Gag Law criminalizes Puerto Rican nationalism
Law 53 of 1948 made it a crime to own or display a Puerto Rican flag, sing a patriotic song, talk of independence, or meet with anyone to discuss Puerto Rican independence. Modeled on the U.S. Smith Act.
The Law
Law 53 of 1948 — known as the Ley de la Mordaza (Gag Law) — made it illegal to:
- Own or display a Puerto Rican flag
- Sing a patriotic tune
- Talk about independence
- Meet with anyone to discuss independence
- Print, publish, or distribute any material advocating independence
Violations carried sentences of up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Enforcement
The law was aggressively enforced. The Puerto Rican police, under FBI supervision, maintained extensive surveillance files (known as "carpetas") on suspected independence supporters. Over 100,000 Puerto Ricans were surveilled.
The law remained in effect until 1957.
Historical Figures
Sources
- Primary Source Law 53 of June 10, 1948. Legislature of Puerto Rico. Modeled on the U.S. Smith Act.
- Denis, Nelson A. "War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in Americas Colony." Nation Books, 2015.