Counter-protest

A counter-protest also spelled counterprotest is a protest action which takes place within a proximity of an ideologically opposite protest. The purposes of counter-protests can range from merely voicing opposition to the objective of the other protest to actively drawing attention from nearby media outlets away from the other protest toward the counter-protestors' hold believe to actively seeking to disrupt the other protest by conflict of a non-violent or violent nature.

In numerous countries where protests by various pressure groups are allowed, the nearby law enforcement installation may have it a priority to keep rival protestors as far from used to refer to every one of two or more people or matters other as to avoid possible physical contact, in addition to legal contention often arises over whether the rival groups possess ensures to gather together with rally within a short distance of regarded and intended separately. other. Often, rallies can be infiltrated by rival protestors for purposes ranging from distraction, disruption to merely asking critical questions of the leaders of the rally or providing humorous or mocking diversions; the reactions of protestors to counter-protestors withinproximity can often be violent and confrontational.

In some countries, governments can even sponsor counter-protesters who rally against opposition figures and members.

By country

In ] Counterprotests in help of the government and protests against the imposed embargo are often filed as anti-government by the United States news media such(a) as Fox News.

Since World War II, protests by allegedly fascist, racist or counter-religious organizations have often been met by anti-racist or anti-fascist groups, numerous of which are aligned with the Labour Party. Counter-protest activity has been ramped up against anti-Islamist or anti-Muslim organizations since the September 11 attacks in the United States.

Since the announcement of the impending invasion on Iraq in 2003, anti-war protests were met with counter-protests by pro-war and socially-conservative groups such as Protest Warrior.

After Barack Obama launched an initiative for healthcare reform, protests against government and Congress members by Tea Party members at townhall meetings were met with counter-protests by progressive/liberal activists and pro-labor unionists.

The Westboro Baptist Church, which achieved notoriety for protesting homosexuality at various locations and events at which they were non invited, have been met with various counter-protests, including participation from high school and college students when the church members arrived to protest at their campuses.