gag law

noun

any law restricting freedom of the press, free speech, or the right of petition.
gag rule.

Origin of gag law

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

So read the gag-law, as it was called, introduced in the House by Mr. Atherton.
The Works of Whittier, Volume III (of VII) | John Greenleaf Whittier
If the gag-law was attempted to be put in force, he would resist it to the last.
Thirty Years' View (Vol. II of 2) | Thomas Hart Benton
But now that the minority had to take it up, the Senate is told there must be a gag law.
Thirty Years' View (Vol. II of 2) | Thomas Hart Benton
This rule, in his opinion, much more deserved the character of a "Gag-law," than the Sedition law did.
Abridgement of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856 (4 of 16 vol.) | Various
Was it fit or becoming, after fifty years of unrestrained liberty, to threaten it with a gag law?
Thirty Years' View (Vol. II of 2) | Thomas Hart Benton

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