Maine governor signs paramilitary training ban in response to neo-Nazi plan.

Portland, Maine — On Friday, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill restricting paramilitary training in Maine in response to a neo-Nazi who sought to construct a “blood tribe” training camp.  

The governor signed the measure without comment, allowing the attorney general to request a court injunction to prohibit paramilitary training that sows civil disorder and bring charges that carry a year in prison.  

Rep. Laurie Osher of Orono presented the bill after neo-Nazi and white supremacist Christopher Pohlhaus wanted to build a training center on property he sold before executing the plan.  

I encourage people to live in Maine, work hard, and improve it. I don't want folks who want to make Maine a white ethno-state," Democrat Osher said Friday night. “This bill makes it clear that anyone with that intent is not welcome here.”  

Supporters said the move prevents shadow military forces from causing social disorder, while opponents said it violates constitutional rights. With rising harassment and intolerance of diversity in the state, Osher said many constituents pushed her lawmakers to act. The law doesn't target any single group, she added  

AG Aaron Frey said militias that don't obey civilian leaders are already outlawed by the Maine Constitution, but it applies specifically to groups parading with guns or wearing military uniforms. He noted before that without the new rule, he could not prosecute someone using military training to cause civil disruption, as prosecutors suspect Pohlhaus attempted.

Pohlhaus has intimated that if he tried to build a training center again, he would make sure the land was not in his name to avoid suspicion. Last year, Vermont banned paramilitary training camps. A nearby guns training business without authorization caused neighbors to complain, prompting that law.  

After Slate Ridge, Vermont banned teaching, training, or exhibiting how to create or use weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices to incite civil commotion. Law enforcement and Norwich University are exempt. Violators face five years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both.  

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