Earlier this week, hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists Closed bridges in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg In New York City, he called for an end to Israel's war against Hamas.

What happened in New York is just part of a disturbing trend across the country. Too many left-wing demonstrators have decided to block highway traffic as a way to attract attention.

Alabama needs to send a strong message to protesters thinking of doing the same in the Yellowhammer State: Obstructing traffic will result in significant prison time.

At the federal level, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced The “Safe and Open Roads Act'' imposes fines or five years' imprisonment on those who block public roads.

Blackburn's bill is not only a good idea, but one that should be strengthened at the state level.

State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris) has passed anti-riot legislation in the past two legislative sessions. His bill mandated mandatory prison sentences for people arrested under the new definition of rioting. Unfortunately, this bill was not passed both times. Not only is this session the time to pass an anti-riot bill, but lawmakers also need to add a provision that would provide at least a year in prison for protesters who obstruct traffic.

Currently, under Alabama law, disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500. That's not enough. Potential protesters should know that obstructing traffic will result in mandatory prison sentences without exception.

Stiffer penalties are a way to proactively address this problem, and we've already seen activists do this recently here in Alabama.protester blocked Just last October, Stephen Perkins was shot and killed during a traffic accident involving police in Decatur. Now is the time to nip this trend in the bud.

It should also be noted that these radical activists are not interested in convincing people of their cause. They want to virtue signal and feel good about themselves. And while I believe they are being radical, I guarantee you they would think twice about doing it if the penalties were severe enough.

I believe as strongly in free speech as any limited government conservative, but blocking traffic is not free speech, is not civil disobedience, and is a dangerous attempt to undermine civil order. Yes, and should not be tolerated. You have the right to protest, but you can protest and get your message across without hurting others on the road.

Stiffer penalties for rioters and protesters would not only be the right thing to do, but would be an easy political victory for Republicans who uphold the rule of law in this state. We hope that Governor Kay Ivey and the rest of the leadership will make this a priority for the next session.

Yaffee is a contributor to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee