Opposing Rallies Over Defunding Police Gather In Front Of Massachusetts State House
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- Two groups of protesters were separated by barriers as they stood on opposing sides of Beacon Street in front of the State House Saturday afternoon. The issue between them? Whether or not to defund police departments.
Supporters of the Super Happy Fun America organization, a group best known for hosting a straight pride parade last year, stood on one side holding "blue lives matter" signs. On the other, a larger counter-protest holding Black Lives Matter signs was organized by the Solidarity Against Hate - Boston.
The "Restore Sanity" rally was billed as an effort to support law enforcement by Super Happy Fun America, which has far-right ties.
The organizers of Saturday's counter-protest called on residents to show up and oppose the rally, which they viewed as opposed to the Black Lives Matter movement seeking an end to the killing of unarmed Black Americans by police.
"Once again, we as a city must come together to drown out their hate," Solidarity Against Hate-Boston said on Facebook.
Multiple layers of metal barriers and police patrolling the road were between the groups. The standoff led to some tense moments, but so far, no arrests have been announced.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)