A large and peaceful protest occurred in downtown Chicago on Sunday, lasting over 3.5 hours as participants marched through the Loop to Grant Park. Various activist groups united to demand action on reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
This demonstration took place ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and aimed to push politicians to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions.
The protest, called the “March for Bodies Outside Unjust Laws,” centered on frustrations with the Democratic Party’s perceived inaction on reproductive and LGBTQ rights. Demonstrators also protested the U.S. response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some calling for an arms embargo on Israel.
Pro-Palestinian voices, both outside and inside the DNC, plan to continue their protests throughout the week, with 30 uncommitted delegates advocating for an anti-war agenda within the convention.
Protesters Demand Action on Rights and Israel-Hamas War Ahead of DNC in Chicago
Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Chicago for the DNC, and her presence was a focal point for the protests. Some pro-Palestinian activists criticized her for not taking a definitive stance on the conflict, demanding more concrete actions to win their support. Despite meetings between Harris’ team and local Arab American leaders, protesters remained unsatisfied, viewing the rhetoric as insufficient.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) handled the protest with a visible but non-aggressive approach, deploying bike patrols and other officers along the protest route to ensure safety.
No riot gear was used, and the police emphasized their role in protecting protesters’ First Amendment rights while maintaining order. A few businesses boarded up as a precaution, but most remained open under the protection of the police presence.
The next permitted protest is scheduled for Monday near the United Center, where marchers will proceed from Union Park to Park 578. Organizers have been granted permission to set up a stage and sound system at Park 578, allowing them to amplify their message to the DNC attendees nearby. The protests are expected to continue throughout the week as demonstrators push their agenda.
On Tuesday, protest groups will hold a memorial outside the United Center to honor both Palestinians and Israelis killed since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Organizers view the memorial as an important opportunity to mourn the lives lost in the ongoing conflict and to continue raising awareness of the humanitarian impact of the violence.
