In a display of political discord, far-left activists and Democratic officials rallied against a Moms for Liberty town hall gathering in Manhattan, New York City, on Thursday evening.
The Bohemian National Hall in Upper East Side Manhattan was encircled by a significant number of protesters, who delivered speeches, chanted slogans, and brandished placards and noise makers.
The Manhattan Borough President expressed his concern about the event on social media, stating, "There is no place for hatred or bigotry in New York, which is why Im deeply troubled by their planned event on the Upper East Side. We cannot allow this fringe group to dictate what books are in our libraries or the version of our nations history that fits their preferred narrative."
In response, the Moms for Liberty group, based in New York City, retorted, "We also have a piece of advice for Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine: know your place, back off, and learn the virtue of tolerance."
Despite the mounting pressure, the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association (BBLA), which owns the venue, confirmed on Sunday that the event would proceed as planned. BBLA President Joseph Balaz stated, "Based on strong and thorough advice from our counsel, we concluded that we are not in any position to break the contract."
Balaz further clarified the organization's position, saying, "We are a completely apolitical organization concentrating on cultural performances. This particular group clearly does not fit our strong non-political stance. Be aware that BBLA is neither organizing, hosting, nor supporting this specific rental event." He added, "As a first-generation immigrant who years ago escaped a dictatorship and absolute censorship, I am personally very sensitive to concepts like book banning, thought, and expression controls, and so on, which this highly politically charged turmoil around this event brings out."
Moms for Liberty, a group of mothers advocating for conservative principles such as freedom, limited government, and traditional family values, hosted the sold-out "Giving Parents a Voice" town hall event. The event, according to the group, aimed to "discuss the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their child- with a focus on the education of the child in NYC schools."
The gathering featured several speakers, including Chris Elston, also known as Billboard Chris, New York City Parents Union president Mona Davids, New York City public school teacher Paul Rossi, as well as community education council members and other representatives of organizations.
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