PROVINCETOWN – Provincetown residents and town officials promised to maintain their community as a place for tolerance and refuge during a rally Monday.
Standing in front of the Bas Relief, which memorializes the signing of the Mayflower Compact, many spoke out against President Donald Trump’s policies.
Their focus was on his proposal to temporarily ban citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.
Provincetown State Representative Sarah Peake (D) and Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr (D) also spoke, urging people to stay vigilant in their beliefs.
“What we’re celebrating here today is the greatness of America, Provincetown being the birthplace of American liberty,” said Peake.
Those attending the rally also held signs indicating support for LGBTQ rights, environmental protection and women’s rights.
Peake noted that Provincetown was the first municipality in the country to issue a same-sex marriage license in 2004.
“I’m honored to be serving now to make sure Massachusetts continues to be a leader for social justice, access to healthcare, economic opportunity and any number of areas,” she said.
The rally was organized by Provincetown selectmen, who last week adopted a proclamation upholding the values of equality, inclusivity, respect and dignity.
Organizers referred to the Pilgrim Monument, which commemorates the first landing of the Pilgrims and has become a symbol for liberty, unity and inclusion.
Selectman Cheryl Andrews read a resolution from the town that said they are a community that builds bridges and not walls.
“The people of Provincetown will not turn our backs on the women and men from other countries who help make our town great,” she said.
Andrews said any group that felt threatened or bullied by the new administration will be supported in the Outer Cape community.
“Provincetown will fight discrimination and recklessness in all its forms,” she said.
By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com News Director