Protest rally titled “Hands Off Our History” held at 9:30 AM on February 12, 2026, at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. Organized by the NYC Council LGBTQ+ Caucus co-chairs Council Member Erik Bottcher and Council Member Chi Ossé (member of the New York City Council for the 36th district, ), the event protests the Trump administration’s removal of the rainbow pride flag from the monument. Multiple speakers, including NYC council members (e.g., Chi Ossé, Crystal Hudson, Tiffany Cabán, Julie Menin), assembly members (e.g., Tony Simone, Deborah Glick, Grace Lee, Alex Bores), and allies like Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, condemn the action as an attempt to erase LGBTQ+ history and visibility. They describe it as part of broader attacks on queer rights, reproductive rights, immigrants, and civil liberties.
Key themes and statements include:
- Accusations that Donald Trump is a “pedophile” (explicitly stated by Chi Ossé and echoed by others like Tony Simone, who calls him the “pedophile-in-chief”) and that his administration is using distractions to cover up crimes.
- Labeling the Republican Party as “fascist” and the Trump regime as authoritarian, petty, and divisive.
- Emphasis on Stonewall’s historical significance as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement (referencing the 1969 riots as resistance).
- Calls for unity among queer people, allies, and marginalized groups, with chants like “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.”
- Plans to re-raise the pride flag at 4 PM that same day, defying the federal government.
The rally frames the flag removal as symbolic of larger efforts to undo progress in civil rights, and speakers urge ongoing resistance and joy in the face of oppression.
Regarding whether the GOP (Republican Party) will sue Chi Ossé or other speakers: As of now (just hours after the rally), there is no public indication or announcement of any lawsuit from the GOP, Trump, or related entities in response to these statements. Defamation claims over calling someone a pedophile or fascist could theoretically be pursued, especially against public figures, but would require proving actual malice (knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth) under U.S. law (e.g., New York Times v. Sullivan standard). Political parties like the GOP rarely file such suits directly; it’s more common for individuals like Trump to do so personally (he has a history of defamation lawsuits, though many fail). Given the recency of the event and the protected nature of political speech at protests, any legal action remains speculative and unlikely to be immediate. If new developments emerge later today or beyond, they would likely appear in news reports.
Источник : официальное видео с канала New York City Council