Standout for Love: Why Rev. Susan Chorley from First Parish of Norwell is organizing it
NORWELL – A local minister wants to combat what she sees as negative messages from Donald Trump/MAGA supporters by holding a “Standout for Love” event in Norwell.
The Rev. Susan Chorley, of First Parish of Norwell, Unitarian Universalist, is organizing the event in direct response to the semi-regular gathering of those supporters on an overpass near the Weymouth north and south exits on Route 3.
The Saturday, Aug. 5, gathering on the River Street overpass above Route 3 in Norwell takes place from 8 to 10 a.m.
Mock headstone targets Scituate DEI director
While focused on the MAGA supporters and their messaging, the gathering comes on the heels of recent incidents on the South Shore, one in Scituate and one in Hanover, each of which targeted efforts to promote tolerance within their communities.
The first involved a mock headstone found on a Scituate beach last week that read “In loving memory of” followed by a misspelled version of Scituate public schools’ director of diversity, equity and inclusion jamele adams’ name, which he prefers not to capitalize.
More: Mock tombstone targets school diversity director in Scituate. Police are investigating
Town officials said police have launched an investigation into the matter, and that the select board is collaborating with Scituate's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to address the incident.
Letter criticizes Hanover homeowner for Pride flag, Black Lives Matter sign
Another incident followed soon after when Hanover resident David Thomas received an unsigned letter with no return address criticizing the appearance of his home.
In addition to suggesting Thomas repaint the house, the letter writer also suggested he remove the Pride flag and the Black Lives Matter sign outside his home, along with a Bernie Sanders bumper sticker on his mailbox.
The letter writer added their opinion on each of those, saying “no one cares” referring to the Pride flag, describing Black Lives Matter as “a scam” and saying the political sticker on the mailbox was illegal.
They suggested the family move to another state, specifying Oregon and California, where they would be more accepted and could enjoy “living with the rest of the nuts,” according to the letter shared with media partner WCVB.
Police are aware of the incident and condemned it on social media, although they said the letter writer is protected by the First Amendment.
When and where: Standout for Love on Route 3 in Norwell
What: Standout for Love event to combat hate.
When: 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.
Where: River Street overpass above Route 3 in Norwell.
Other details: Participants are encouraged to wear colorful clothing and comfortable shoes. Organizers will have heart signs and rainbow flags to share with anyone who doesn’t have their own. The event is open to adults, children and pets.
For more information: Email michedavidson85@gmail.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Standout for Love on Route 3 in Norwell: Why it is being organized
