On Sept. 20, approximately 500 people gathered in downtown 琉璃神社 for the 1 Million March For Children protesting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) education and resources in public schools.

There was a comparatively small group of counter-protesters as 琉璃神社鈥檚 queer advocacy groups issued a statement prior to the event suggesting that people stay away due to the risk of violence

Heather Lucier, a local pastor and march organizer explained the rally was really just about the narrow issue of 鈥減arents maintaining and having a right to decide what their children are taught in school.鈥�

However, counter-protesters and observers said that the rally seemed to be a facade for other, more nefarious and hate-filled messages.

Counter-protesters were witnessed being yelled at and called 鈥済roomers,鈥� while speeches called people offering gender-affirming care 鈥渃hild abusers.鈥�

Speeches were interspersed with chants of 鈥淐anada has one flag,鈥� being broadcast over megaphones.

Signs reading 鈥淚f you truly understood the LGBTQ agenda you would march with us to protect God鈥檚 children,鈥� were held alongside signs that said 鈥淪OGI is harming our children.鈥�

Counter-protester Jenny Newell, who is a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally and a parent, said she witnessed aggression including physical shoving and hate speech.