Chap. 172.—An ACT to prohibit the advocacy of any change in government by
force or violence; and to prescribe penalties for violations. [H 6]

Approved March 10, 1948

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. Section 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, group, or
organization to advocate any change, by force or violence, in the
government of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its
subdivisions or in the government of the United States of America.

Section 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to join, assist
or otherwise contribute to any group or organization which, to the
knowledge of such person, advocates or has as its purpose, aim or
objective, any change, by force or violence, in the government of
the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its subdivisions or in the
government of the United States of America.

Section 3. Violation of this act is hereby declared to be a
felony, punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of not less than one
thousand nor more than five thousand dollars or by confinement
in the penitentiary for not less than two years nor more than five
years, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Section 4. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit or pro-
hibit the advocacy, orally or otherwise, of any change, by peaceful
means, in the government of the Commonwealth or any of its
subdivisions or in the government of the United States of America.