Deviation Actions
Description
BILLBOARD OCCUPATION
Chehalis, WA. USA, 8 September 2014
Approximately 40 protesters from two Gender based groups gathered under the big political billboard at the intersection of I-5 and Rush Road Northbound exit ramp #72. The billboards normally conservative message was replaced with a message proclaiming the groups two main issues at this protest event. The coal trains that move through Lewis County daily and lack of health care programs for Transgendered persons.
The two groups protesting are (TWAC) Trans and or Women's Action Camp and (GASS) Gender Alliance of the South Sound.
Victoria Quaintance (GASS) Stated that public funds used to support the transportation of coal through the South Sound area of Washington State could be better spent to provide heath care plans that includes plans for transgendered persons issues. Currently Washington State Medicaid denies treatment for Transgendered residents deemed necessary by the American Medical Association.
Lewis County Sheriff’s Department responded to the protest and worked to minimize conflicts between protesters and local auto traffic. One of the Deputies stated that SWAT had been called to remove the groups banner from the billboard. SWAT never showed to remove the banner, it seemed like Lewis County Sheriff’s Department was working to keep tensions from escalating as most all the Deputies were plain clothes Deputies. A representative from the billboards owner arrived and climbed the billboard to remove the banner. Shortly after the banner was removed the peaceful protest broke-up and by 11:20 AM almost all of the Protesters and Deputies had left the protest site.