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Peaceful free speech rally draws supporters, protesters in Boston

By VAISHNAVEE SHARMA, Associated Press
Published: November 18, 2017, 8:24pm

BOSTON — A few dozen free speech advocates rallied peacefully Saturday on Boston Common but, just like last summer’s event, they were outnumbered by counterprotesters.

The “Rally for the Republic” event was held by conservative groups Resist Marxism and Boston Free Speech despite being denied a permit by the city. Police surrounded the gathering.

Rally speakers gathered at a bandstand on the Common warned that free speech was under threat and accused Antifa and Black Lives Matter groups of being terrorist organizations. White hats with the phrase, “RESIST MARXISM,” were thrown into the crowd, many of whom wore pro-Trump apparel and criticized the media and left-leaning groups for labeling them as hateful.

“I’m here because I support the ideas of free speech and the republic,” said rally attendee Alex Moffett, 23, of Burlington, Mass. “There are many people on the other side who believe their ideas are right and are perpetuating violence in the name of those rights.” Moffett identifies as a Republican.

One of the speakers, Tammy Lee, said free speech needs to be “known, practiced and given to all.”

“We, as a nation, are broken,” Lee said. “We must begin to listen to each other, and not just look with our eyes and minds closed.”

At least 100 counterprotesters showed up.

“It’s really inspiring and awesome to be out here and to be with all these people who’re rallying for a cause,” said counterprotester Adrian Lee, 19, a sophomore at Boston University. “A lot of people label Antifa solely on their violence but don’t realize that they’re all out here for a good cause, too.”

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