Democratic Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney criticized the conservative political organization Moms for Liberty as their four-day convention launched in the Center City neighborhood of the city.
Kenney issued a statement alongside Celena Morrison, executive director of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, labeling the organization’s “beliefs and values” as “problematic.”
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“We oppose this group’s policy goals, which include attempts to disregard history, ban books, and silence conversations about race, gender, and sexuality,” the statement read.
“We believe these policies are harmful to youth and I am especially troubled when these policies target classrooms, libraries, and any space where children deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported at all times,” it continued.
Moms for Liberty was founded in 2021 and originally focused on opposition to pandemic-era restrictions, such as vaccine mandates in schools. The group is led by two Florida mothers who label themselves “joyful warriors” advocating “parental rights at all levels of government.” They campaign for limiting access to certain books in school libraries.
The group secured several prominent Republican leaders as scheduled speakers at the summit, including presidential candidates. Former President Donald Trump, former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) are showing their support this weekend at the sold-out event.
A portion of the summit will be held at the Museum of the American Revolution, which was denounced by the American Historical Association when it sent a letter to the museum on June 26, urging it to reconsider whether the group should be permitted to hold a major event at the location.
“For the AHA, this isn’t about politics or different understandings of our nation’s past; it’s about an organization whose mission is to obstruct the professional responsibilities of historians,” the letter reads.
Hundreds gathered in Philadelphia on Thursday to protest the convention, and city police and officials set up metal barriers and other safety measures at the museum. Reports and online videos circulated of police making arrests during the protests.
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“However, in spite of our disagreement with the views of Moms for Liberty, we also take freedom of speech very seriously,” Kenney said. “The City’s response to any demonstration or public protest will prioritize the safety of participants and members of the public and protect the constitutional rights of all individuals without regard to the views expressed by any group.”
“Let us remember and uphold our values as a proud welcoming city that will always choose to celebrate diversity, value inclusion, and stand against hate and discrimination,” he added.
