FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Regardless of the weather, hundreds of individuals took to the streets of Fort Lauderdale to protest against a series of federal and state decisions that they believe infringe upon their rights. Now, they are urging people to take action and exercise their right to vote.
Even with raindrops falling, the drumbeat of the demonstrators could still be heard on Sunday afternoon.
They chanted, “Hey, ho, DeSantis gotta go!”
The “We the People” March in Fort Lauderdale was filled with contempt for many of the laws passed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican supermajority in the state Legislature.
“It’s a coalition of over 50 organizations that are fighting for our fundamental freedom and democracy,” said Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Weinstein stated that more than 1,000 bills that curtail rights have been introduced across the country.
“These bills are being introduced in 48 states. It’s not just about Florida, right?” he said. “This is where it started, but it’s spreading rapidly throughout the country.”
Some of Florida’s new laws that have garnered the most attention include the Parental Rights in Education law, referred to by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” as well as bans on drag performances in the presence of children, restrictions on gender-affirming care for individuals of all ages, book bans, and permitless carry for firearms.
Gia Gunn, a transgender woman, expressed that, ultimately, she desires what most people want.
“We deserve to be here, and we deserve to have rights just like everyone else,” she said.
David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, stated that the majority of Floridians want something different, but the minority is calling the shots.
“The district lines across the state have been drawn in a way that undermines the majority rule of the American people, or the people of Florida,” he said.
Over 2,000 people signed up for the march. Those gathered at Esplanade Park listened to speakers while enjoying a bit of intermittent sunshine.
However, for these demonstrators, marching and chanting alone are insufficient. The key is to vote.
“There won’t be a single person who saves us. We have to save ourselves, we the people have to save us,” said Hogg. “That’s what this march is meant to signify, the beginning.”
Over the past three days, “We the People” marches have taken place in several cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York, to name a few.
