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Rally at Capitol to address stay-at-home concerns

Posted at 5:44 PM, Apr 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-19 09:23:03-04

Stay-at-home due to COVID-19 has brought about demonstrations around the country.

Citizens have planned a peaceful demonstration, the Montana Liberty Rally, at the Capitol in Helena on Sunday.

One of organizers says some people don't have jobs, can't pay rent and can't feed their families.

Some rallies in other states have been had people close together and horns honking.

The plan in Helena is to practice social distancing, keep the noise down for nearby neighborhoods and pray.

"We want to keep it peaceful," said Anne Cameron, co-organizer for the rally. "And I understand that some people are angry. But if you act out of anger, you're going to send the wrong message. It's frustrating to a lot of us seeing our Constitution metaphorically stomped on. I mean, we're Americans, we have rights. Suggestions, guidance, recommendations, that's one thing. But order. As far as as these small businesses, every business is essential. Every business is essential to somebody."

At a news conference on Friday, Gov. Steve Bullock, D-Mont., was asked what he would say to those attending the rally.

"I'd say what I think I've said throughout, not just as a governor but as a past and a member of these communities," Bullock said. "I want things opened up as soon as we can from the perspective of doing it safely and doing it in a way that we will be able to build off of the strengths of Montana and our economy not set us back."

The Montana Liberty Rally is set to start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, on the sidewalk in front of the Capitol.