In an effort to confront the hateful propaganda seen at last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade by neo-Nazi groups, a coalition of local lawmakers have requested that police prevent white supremacist disruption at this year’s event on Sunday, Mar. 19.
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Members of the group NSC-131 hung a banner at last year's parade that read "Keep Boston Irish." They also defaced public property on the T with hateful propaganda.
Boston City Council President Ed Flynn, speaking on Greater Boston said, "There really should be zero tolerance. There's no room at all in this city for this white supremacist group or any hate group."
Flynn said local officials will be meeting with Boston police, state police and MBTA transit police ahead of the parade.
Last year's hateful display at the Saint Patrick's Day parade wasn't the only neo-Nazi demonstration in Boston in recent years. There have been more at local hospitals, colleges and more. Flynn said the groups are trying to divide people, intimidate them and hurt them through hate messaging and violence.
GBH's Phillip Martin has covered white supremacism in Massachusetts extensively.
He said if parade-goers feel they are being intimidated or harassed, that means police can intervene. Martin said neo-Nazi groups have felt emboldened in recent years, and have amplified their efforts.
Watch: Boston City Council President urges MBTA police to keep neo-Nazis from returning to Southie parade
