1948: The Gag Law (Ley de la Mordaza) – Puerto Rico’s Silenced Voice

In 1948, Law 53, infamously known as “La Ley de la Mordaza” (The Gag Law), was enacted by Puerto Rico’s legislature — under pressure from the U.S. government — to suppress the growing independence movement.

🚫 What the Gag Law Criminalized:

• Singing patriotic songs like La Borinqueña (revolutionary version)
• Speaking or writing in favor of Puerto Rican independence
• Meeting or assembling to discuss Puerto Rico’s political status
• Displaying or possessing the Puerto Rican flag — even inside one’s own home

👮‍♂️ Police Powers Under the Law:

• Warrantless home invasions
• Seizure of property without probable cause
• Massive arrests targeting those with pro-independence views

⚖️ Penalties:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• $10,000 fine (USD)
• Or both

🇺🇸 Violation of U.S. Constitutional Rights:

Despite Puerto Ricans being declared U.S. citizens in 1917, the Gag Law violated the First Amendment, which guarantees:

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom of expression

🧑‍⚖️ Repression and Resistance:

• 15 leaders of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party were immediately arrested.
• Mass arrests and surveillance became widespread.
• Rallies and underground resistance defied the ban.

📅 Law Repealed:

• The Gag Law remained in effect for 9 years
• It was finally repealed in 1957, after public outcry and legal challenges

⚠️ REMEMBER:

Freedom of expression was outlawed in a U.S. colony. The Gag Law is a clear example of colonial repression under the guise of democracy.