Arrested: Moms for Liberty Demonstrators Block Traffic Outside Marriott

Protesters Arrested Outside Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Disruption and Arrests

On Sunday morning, five individuals from the Moms for Liberty organization were arrested for blocking traffic outside the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. An additional protester was arrested for waving a flag over a barricade near the hotel. The activists claim that the arrests were made while they were peacefully demonstrating their stance.

Police Response

According to Philadelphia police, six people were arrested on charges of failure to disperse during the protest. However, specific details regarding the arrests have not been provided. Photographs provided by ACT UP Philadelphia, an AIDS activism group, show the five individuals, holding hands and standing in the middle of the intersection at 12th and Filbert Streets.

Activist Account

Aaron Bodiford, an activist with the group, stated that the protesters were chanting for Moms for Liberty to leave and were obstructing traffic. He mentioned that the police issued three warnings before the arrests were made. The vans were brought in front of the barricades where the remaining protesters were stationed.

Inclusion of Trans Woman

Later in the day, a trans woman was arrested for waving a trans flag over the barricade erected around the Marriott. This arrest adds to the controversy surrounding the protests.

The Summit and Attendees

The arrests occurred on the last day of the “parental rights” summit held by the Moms for Liberty group. The organization focuses on LGBTQ issues and diversity education, which has sparked protests since their arrival in Philadelphia on Thursday. The summit attracted 650 attendees from across the country and featured speeches by former president Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and other Republican presidential contenders.

Opposing Transgender Identity

The summit placed a significant emphasis on opposing transgender identity and gender transitioning. This messaging did not go unnoticed by the protesters, who have been waving Pride flags and chanting slogans in support of the transgender and queer community.

Policed Protests

Throughout the protests, police have been present, stationed near the Marriott and the Museum of the American Revolution, where the welcome reception for Moms for Liberty took place. Tensions have arisen during some interactions, including a threat of arrests for blocking traffic. Prior to Sunday, only one arrest had been reported.

Family-Oriented Protests

The protests on Saturday had a family-oriented atmosphere, with children drawing on the streets with chalk and creating signs during a daylong dance party. Activists were cautious about not risking the arrest of families during this event.

Sending a Message

As the dance party resumed on Sunday, the protesters aimed to make a statement. They expressed their willingness to take further action, emphasizing that it would be on their own terms rather than those dictated by the opposing group.

Read More of this Story at www.inquirer.com – 2023-07-02 19:01:06