Duelling rallies today at city hall

A call for a “March for Freedom” in Canadian cities could see a rally — and a counter-rally — taking place outside city hall today.

A Facebook page for a group calling itself the “Canadian Coalition of Concerned Citizens” has been promoting nationwide rallies to happen today at noon.

Social media posts by the group tend to focus largely on an anti-Islam message and Sharia Law fearmongering. Its stated goals, however, include the defence of “freedom, liberty and justice.”

Organizers have stated white supremacist or racist banners are not permitted, and asked supporters to instead focus on signs supporting freedom of speech, stopping Sharia law and globalization, and antiTrudeau and anti-carbon tax signs.

A group calling itself “Lethbridge United” has put a call out for a counter-rally this morning, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The counter-rally is asking supporters to bring signs that denounce racism and white supremacy, stand up for human rights and signs that “welcome your neighbours.”

Organizers have also asked supporters to come prepared to disrupt “hatred if it presents itself,” including noisemakers to drown out hate speech and umbrellas to block hateful signs. They are asking for donations to local food banks as well.