Thousands stand up to racism at Vancouver City Hall

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – More than 4,000 protesters standing up to racism have turned out to Vancouver City Hall.

A small number of anti-Islamic and anti-globalization protesters have been met by a counter-protest, which is speaking out against Islamophobia and racism, in the wake of racist and violent protests in the US.

People at the “Stand Up to Racism Metro Vancouver” rally are protesting against those spreading hatred against Islam, immigrants and people of colour.

The Vancouver Mayor’s Office says there are more than 4,000 people outside City Hall.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson addressed the crowd.

“There are some among us here today who have not learned the message of peace and respect and understanding. Of loving one another regardless of what we believe in or who we love, or what we look like or where we came from.”

“We need to welcome refugees and new immigrants to this place with open arms and opportunity.”

Al Jamia Masjid trustee Haroon Khan says the anti-Islamic and anti-globalization groups who originally planned a protest have been a virtual no-show.

“They didn’t show up today. But I tell you this, I have a standing invitation. Come and meet me. Come and meet any of us, meet a Muslim, and let’s dispel any ignorance here.”

Organizer Annie Ohana says the counter-rally was set up after the opposing group planned a protest apparently against Muslims.

“We were highly concerned based on recent events around the world, and we thought that we had to somehow answer back to what they were planning.”

She says many of those rallying come from an “anti-racism” background.

“I think a lot of people are just sick and tired of being told that they don’t deserve to be free,” she says.

“We’ll be coming together to defend our freedoms, our rights, our ability to be safe.”

With tensions high across the United States, she says things may seem a little different here, but Canadians do face similar issues.

“Synagogues and mosques face attacks, pamphlets being spread around town, and people’s daily lives where they feel marginalized.”

The ad hoc group is made up of teachers, students and activists, and Ohana says the rally is also a celebration of different cultures and heritages.

City of Vancouver, VPD monitoring situation

The City of Vancouver says it has been working with the Vancouver Police Department to monitor the situation and minimize any risk to the public during the protests. Traffic management is in place. A statement from the City says:

“In accordance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the City cannot prevent people from assembling on public property for the purpose of exercising their right of freedom of expression. The City recognizes that there are limitations on free speech and that it is an offence under the Criminal Code to make statements in public which incite hatred against any identifiable group.”

“As a City of Reconciliation, Vancouver has zero tolerance for hatred and racism and discrimination.”

The City does not issue permits for any rallies or protests but the grounds of City Hall are public property.