Parents opposed to a planned LGBTQ rally at an elementary school in North Hollywood, California, clashed with left-wing supporters on Friday.
Hostilities at the school increased after a small LGBTQ flag being used as a decoration outside a classroom was partly burnt. Some parents were surprised to find out the teacher of the classroom identified as a transgender person, and the district removed them as a safety measure.
Dozens of LAPD officers in tactical gear showed up to provide security and keep the two groups apart.
Parents held up signs saying, “STOP GROOMING OUR KIDS” and wore shirts reading, “Leave our kids alone” in black and white at the protest.
KCAL-TV reported that a fight broke out and police made some arrests.
Other videos were posted to social media showing the two sides facing off.
At least one parent said they were completely pulling their child out of Saticoy Elementary School.
Another video captured the physical altercation between the two sides.
In a previous interview, one parent explained why they were opposed to the themes at the LGBTQ rally.
“We respect everyone, but some things are appropriate for children that age, and some things are not,” said George Dzhabroyan. “Hopefully the message gets across and people understand that parents should be the primary contact of what their children should be exposed to and shouldn’t be exposed to.”
A part of the rally included a reading from “The Great Big Book of Families,” which included gay and lesbian families. Supporters of the LGBTQ rally accused the opponents of inciting “hatred” against others.
Those who organized the protest said they had nothing to do with the burning of the LGBTQ flag, which is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The district said that the rally was voluntary and that any parent could opt their student out of attendance.
Here’s a local news report about the protests:
Dissenting sides clash at Saticoy Elementary School protest over a Pride assemblywww.youtube.com
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