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

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 invasion ...