On Saturday (June 10), people around the country gathered for the March Against Sharia, a string of protests organized by anti-Islam group ACT America. But participants were outnumbered by counter-protestors in many cities, as they sought to #CounterACTHate.
“The anti-Islam rallies were a bust,” Council on American-Islamic Relations executive director Ibrahim Hooper told The Washington Post. “We’ve seen a tremendous rise in the level of anti-Muslim bigotry in our society—and against minorities of all kinds—but we’ve also seen a tremendous rise in support.”
Below, some scenes from the day. Click the links to learn more about the counter-protests in each city.
Because of counter-protests, anti-Sharia activists were unable to March in Austin today https://t.co/zMtAe4j3kK #marchagainstsharia pic.twitter.com/VN2L4mAhde
— The Texas Observer (@TexasObserver) June 10, 2017
About 20 participants in Chicago’s "March Against Sharia" today were met by 200 counter-protesters chanting messages of support for Muslims. pic.twitter.com/ZXc3gjz0dq
— The Chicago Reporter (@ChicagoReporter) June 10, 2017
Facing anti-Muslim rally @Foley Sq w/friends from Freedom Socialist Party to counter msg of hate #NYCLovesMuslims pic.twitter.com/923oi0iNTI
— Annie J. Wang (@wanganniej) June 10, 2017
Many people showed up, sharing flowers and smiles, choosing LOVE over FEAR at yesterday’s San Jose Unity Rally. @sivicouncil @PACTSJ pic.twitter.com/GU8MVH3xD1
— Lakshmi Collins (@LakshmiCollins) June 12, 2017
These are the Muslim neighbors we talk about. Son and daughter spoke moving words. #CounterACThate #Seattle pic.twitter.com/8GmgPL24ML
— Taylor James (@tjepdx) June 11, 2017
Fights break out during "anti sharia" march, counterprotest at Minnesota State Capitol https://t.co/RleEkOyhyK Photos: @floresliz12 pic.twitter.com/VxBbwtEwpZ
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) June 10, 2017