Activist groups urge Philly venues to scrap Moms for Liberty summit.

The Museum of the American Revolution Faces Pressure to Cancel Event

The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia is currently facing pressure from social justice groups regarding an upcoming event. The parental rights group Moms For Liberty has rented out one of the museum’s event spaces for their “Joyful Warriors Summit” on Thursday, June 29.

The summit, which is scheduled to take place at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown from June 29 to July 2, will kick off with a “Welcome to Philadelphia Reception” at the museum. However, Pennsylvania State Sen. Nikil Saval has written a letter to the museum, urging them to cancel the event, calling Moms for Liberty “a hate group” and questioning the museum’s commitment to its stated values.

Supporters Defend Moms for Liberty

New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz has come to the defense of Moms for Liberty, stating that they are not a hate group and criticizing the attempts to shut them down. Markowicz questions the violation of their First Amendment rights and the government’s role in suppressing free speech.

Despite the controversy, the museum’s President and CEO, Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, has decided not to cancel the event. This decision has caused dissent among some museum staff members, with one employee expressing a sense of betrayal.

A petition from over 60% of the museum’s staff opposing the event was submitted to Dr. Stephenson. However, the museum spokesperson emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and fostering understanding within a democratic society. They stated that rejecting visitors based on ideology would contradict their mission.

The museum acknowledges the concerns of their staff and promises to listen and accommodate them during the event. They value their employees and strive to create a supportive work environment.

Pressure on Marriott to Cancel Hosting

Activists have also targeted the summit’s convention host, Marriott, urging them to cancel their hosting of the event. A Change.org petition with over 28,295 signatures calls on Marriott to refuse hosting the Moms for Liberty National Convention, citing it as a violation of the hotel chain’s corporate policy and an insult to their LGBTQ employees.

The summit will feature several prominent speakers, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In response to the controversy, a coalition of organizations plans to protest outside the Marriott hosting the summit.

Protests Planned in Philadelphia

Activists opposing Moms for Liberty have organized a full weekend of protests in Philadelphia. They aim to spread queer joy and counter the presence of the parental rights group. The Southern Poverty Law Center has also labeled several parental rights groups, including Moms for Liberty, as “extremist” in their recent report.

Despite the backlash, the Moms for Liberty event is set to proceed as planned, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and ideological differences.

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