A Schuyler County advocacy group plans to hold a silent demonstration outside the courthouse in Watkins Glen this week centered on what organizers describe as the defining characteristics of fascism and democracy.
The event, organized by Indivisible Hector/Schuyler County, is scheduled for Friday, May 23, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. along the sidewalk outside the Schuyler County Courthouse in Watkins Glen.
According to organizers, between 14 and 18 participants will hold signs featuring “the defining characteristics of Fascism” on one side and “the defining characteristics of Democracy” on the reverse side. Organizers said those specific signs will be limited to designated participants, while others attending are encouraged to wave American flags in support.
The event was announced in a press advisory distributed Monday evening to regional media outlets.
Indivisible spokespersons Marsha Smith and Heidi Pike said the demonstration is intended to provide a visual contrast between authoritarianism and democratic principles. Organizers also shared an example video of a similar silent protest format as part of the advisory.
The demonstration is expected to take place on the public sidewalk in front of the courthouse and is open to the public.
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