15 Times Laws Were Changed Because of Public Outcry
When enough voices rise together, even the strongest laws can be rewritten.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Public pressure has changed history more times than people realize. Protests, petitions, and mass movements have forced leaders to amend or repeal laws across the world. These 15 moments show how collective action turned frustration into real legal change.
1. Forgery Death Penalty Abolished (1830)
World Coalition Against the Death Penalty on Wikimedia Commons
Public outrage grew after people were executed for crimes as minor as forging signatures. The punishment no longer fit the offense, and pressure mounted on lawmakers. This led to England finally abolishing the death penalty for forgery in 1830.
2. Repeal of Blasphemy Laws
Conquistador, updated by others on Wikimedia Commons
For centuries, blasphemy laws restricted free speech and punished those who questioned religion. Modern citizens demanded change, arguing that such laws were outdated and unfair. Their voices eventually led to repeals in countries like England, Wales, and Ireland.
3. STOP PIPA/SOPA Campaign
Jim.henderson on Wikimedia Commons
In 2011, proposed internet laws threatened to censor online platforms. Millions of people protested through blackouts and petitions, rallying major websites to their cause. The overwhelming response killed both SOPA and PIPA before they could pass.
4. #EndSARS in Nigeria
TobiJamesCandids on Wikimedia Commons
Nigeria’s SARS police unit was notorious for abuse and corruption. Young people took to the streets, fueled by social media campaigns demanding justice. Their determination forced the government to shut the unit down in 2020.
5. Section 28 Repeal (UK)
Chemical Engineer on Wikimedia Commons
Section 28 banned the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools, silencing teachers and students. Communities and activists fought against the stigma the law created. Years of pressure led to its repeal by the early 2000s.
6. American Labor Protections (FLSA, 1938)
Cornell University Library on Wikimedia Commons
During the Great Depression, workers endured low wages and unsafe jobs. Public outcry grew as families demanded protections for children and fair pay for adults. Their efforts resulted in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
7. Civil Rights Expansion, 1964
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia Commons
The Civil Rights Act originally focused only on race and religion. After heavy lobbying and public pressure, “sex” was added to protect women’s rights. This amendment became a turning point for gender equality in America.
8. Student Walkouts and Gun Reform
Fibonacci Blue from Minnesota, USA on Wikimedia Commons
The Parkland school shooting in 2018 sparked anger and grief across the U.S. Students organized massive walkouts, refusing to stay silent about gun violence. Their activism pushed some retailers to raise age limits and reignited debates on reform.
9. Triangle Shirtwaist Reforms
Beyond My Ken on Wikimedia Commons
The 1911 factory fire in New York killed 146 workers, mostly young women. Public outrage over unsafe conditions swept the nation. In response, lawmakers passed strict workplace safety reforms.
10. Poland’s Holocaust Law Controversy
WW2-Holocaust-Europe.png: User:Dna-Dennis on Wikimedia Commons
Poland introduced a law criminalizing phrases like “Polish death camps.” It sparked global backlash for trying to rewrite history. Public and international pressure forced the government to soften the law.
11. Ukrainian Decommunization Laws
Kpamua (author of cropped/remixed version: Yulia Romero) on Wikimedia Commons
After independence, Ukraine debated how to deal with Soviet-era symbols. Citizens pushed for a clean break from the past. Their voices helped bring about laws removing Soviet names, statues, and monuments.
12. Anti-LGBTQ Language in the Philippines
Emoji: Google Edit: BlankEclair on Wikimedia Commons
Outdated laws continued to silence LGBTQ communities. Online movements and rallies highlighted how these rules fueled discrimination. Ongoing pressure has kept repeal efforts alive, pushing leaders to consider change.
13. Anti-Terror Bill Resistance (Philippines)
Robert Viñas (Presidential Communications Operations Office, Office of the President) on Wikimedia Commons
The proposed Anti-Terror Bill drew massive opposition across the Philippines. Citizens feared it would be used to silence dissent. Petitions and protests made it one of the most debated laws in recent years.
14. Campaign Against Jon Burge (Chicago)
Adrian Burrows on Wikimedia Commons
Police commander Jon Burge oversaw years of abuse in Chicago. Survivors and advocates refused to stay quiet, demanding justice. Their relentless activism eventually brought him down and exposed systemic misconduct.
15. George Floyd Protests and Police Reform (2020)
Mike Shaheen on Wikimedia Commons
The killing of George Floyd sparked global outrage and historic protests. Millions of people demanded accountability and change in policing practices. This pressure led to reforms in several U.S. cities, including bans on chokeholds and stronger oversight.