(FEBRUARY 8, 2021) Portland had many protests last year. Police often wanted protestors to go home. Sometimes the protestors did not leave. Then police used tear gas to make them leave.
Tear gas is a chemical weapon. It causes tears. Tears are water in the eyes, like crying. Tear gas can hurt people. The chemical can stay in the air and ground for a long time. It can also make people sick.
The Oregon government is thinking about banning tear gas. Banning something means not allowing it. The new law says police can use tear gas only at special times. The government will decide soon.