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Portland Leaders Join to Denounce Racism, Bigotry

Irwin Gratz
/
MPBN
Portland City Councilor Jill Duson was among several city leaders who gathered Thursday to denounce racism and bigotry after a flurry of racially-charged incidents.

PORTLAND, Maine - Portland leaders gathered in front of City Hall today to denounce those who have been responsible for several racially-charged incidents in recent weeks. Portland Councilor John Hinck said the problem is not easy to solve.

"If we, as elected officials, could pass a resolution, adopt an ordinance, set penalties that eliminated racism, hatred, bigotry, intimidation forever, we would do it," he said. "It's not that simple."

Hinck and fellow City Councilor Jill Duson said it is important that all of the city's residents speak out against racism and bigotry wherever they find it. "We love free speech in our country. We also have a responsibility to speak back. And I think that's part of what we're doing today."

The recent incidents include what police call a racially-motivated assault and the spraying of offensive graffiti on a Halal market. Mayor Michael Brennan said such incidents have no place in Portland.

"Everybody should have the right to walk through Exchange Street and not experience racial slurs," he said. "Everybody should have the right to own a business in Portland and not have a spray-paint of an epithet on their building."

Councilor Justin Costa organized the event. He said Portland officials at all levels, from legislators to councilors, were unanimous in denouncing the incidents.