Immigration rally planned in Moscow

More than 2,500 people gathered for the Women’s March on the Palouse on Jan. 21 at East City Park in Moscow.

Becky Dueben, a founding member of Palouse ProActive, said she thinks that turnout can be matched or even surpassed Saturday at the park during a second rally being called “Beyond the Ban: Stand with Immigrants.”

The rally, which is being hosted by Palouse ProActive, a nonprofit organization started in November, will be held from 1-3 p.m. Dueben said the rally is intended to support immigrants affected by President Donald Trump’s executive order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

“To be a Muslim here on the Palouse and hear our federal government talk about Muslims in the way they have been talked about, we wanted them to know that at the local community we stand in full support,” Dueben said.

She said Palouse ProActive was approached by several concerned residents, including a group of Iranians, who wanted to do something in response to the executive order.

Dueben said people can no longer remain quiet.

“What inspires me more than anything is the need to speak out and speak up,” Dueben said. “And I have to tell you, if I was the only person to show up in East City Park Saturday at 1 p.m., then I’m showing up.”

Dueben said she attended the Women’s March in Spokane with her husband, two daughters and some 8,000 other people.

“It was stirring and amazing and I’m just so glad that my daughters got to be there and hear these people speak,” Dueben said.

She said Palouse ProActive is still lining up speakers for Saturday’s rally.

Ken Faunce, chair of the Moscow Human Rights Commission, said he will attend the rally because he wants to support immigrants throughout the community and the nation.

He said the ban instituted by Trump is “immoral and un-American.”

“It’s very selective,” Faunce said. “It’s racist and is Islamophobic.”

Faunce spoke at the Women’s March on the Palouse.

“It was outrageously inspiring and moving and to see all those people motivated,” Faunce said.

Palouse UPstanders, a new group with the mission to prevent violence and harassment, is supporting the rally, Dueben said.