Refugee issue draws dueling rallies
Protesters supporting refugees from Syria and other war-torn parts of the world filled the steps of the Idaho Statehouse on Saturday to call for acceptance and compassion, while counterprotesters across the street packed the lawn in front of the statue of former Gov. Frank Steunenberg to call for more stringent screening requirements. An estimated 700 people stood on the pro-refugee side, first gathering around 11 a.m. The crowd across the street swelled to about 300, it was estimated, with strong backing from the 3 Percenters, a group that backs such myriad things as civil defense and food sustainability, and also criticizes Idaho’s refugee program. Both groups attempted to shout over each other at times but also synced up their chants, at one point reciting the Pledge of Allegiance together/Erin Fenner, Idaho Statesman. More here.
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