January 20, 2017 2.13 pm This story is over 59 months old
"Love trumps hate": Lincoln protestors call for kindness ahead of US inauguration
Lincoln demonstrators sang out in protest ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday, January 20. A demonstration, organised by the Lincoln Green Party, saw a 'Bridges Not Walls' banner lowered from the footbridge on City Square, joining a national movement in reaction to one of the most controversial elections in US history. The group of around…
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Lincoln demonstrators sang out in protest ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday, January 20.
A demonstration, organised by the Lincoln Green Party, saw a 'Bridges Not Walls' banner lowered from the footbridge on City Square, joining a national movement in reaction to one of the most controversial elections in US history.
The group of around 15 people called on passers-by to "stand up for a peaceful and just society" and to reject "politics of hate".
Fiona McKenna, Lincoln Green Party Coordinator, said: "It's not okay to be prejudice against groups, it's not okay to talk with hate towards people and it's not okay to put notes through people's doors to tell them to 'go home'.
"Nationally we have seen a rise in hate crimes and it is worrying.
"We're also worried about the environmental impact of President Trump coming into power as he has been on record as saying he's a climate change denier.
"We need to speak out against language of hatred. If we see someone victimised then we need to speak out and say 'that's not right. I don't agree with you.'
"If everyone could be a bit kinder then the world would be a much better place."
The demonstration divided opinions in the centre of Lincoln.
Local resident Ben Gittos said: "I don't understand why people aren't more concerned about what's happening in Europe and the refugees from Syria.
"Rather than worrying about the US we need to be worrying about what's happening in the Middle East and how that's going to affect Europe and Britain in the long run."
The inauguration ceremony, in which Donald Trump will be soon in as the 45th president of the United States, takes place at 5pm GMT.
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