State Senator Nikil Saval asks Marriott: why are you hosting a hate conference?

Ali M Collins
2 min readMay 4, 2023

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(This article is reposted on behalf of Defense of Democracy. Join or donate today!)

For weeks. Defense of Democracy has been in talks with elected officials in Pennsylvania in regard to Marriott’s hosting of the Moms for Liberty conference in June.

Below is the letter sent by Senator Nikil Saval and Representatives MaryLouise Isaacson and Ben Waxman to Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
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Dear Philadelphia Marriott Downtown:

We are writing to express our concern and disappointment upon learning that Moms for Liberty, an organization known for its controversial and discriminatory views, will be hosting its national convention at your hotel. As elected officials representing Center City, we are deeply troubled by this decision and would like to understand the reasons behind it.

Moms for Liberty has been widely recognized for its divisive rhetoric, discriminatory practices, and promotion of harmful policies that target vulnerable communities, especially the LGBTQ+ community. This organization has a history of spreading misinformation and advocating for discriminatory policies that undermine the values of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all individuals.

As a well-respected hotel, we are unsure why Philadelphia Marriott Downtown would choose to allow Moms for Liberty to hold its national convention at your premises. Hosting an organization with a track record of promoting discriminatory practices and divisive policies goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect that should be upheld by a reputable establishment like yours.

As the area’s elected officials, we urge you to reconsider your decision to host Moms for Liberty’s national convention at your hotel. We would like to understand the rationale behind this decision and request a written response addressing the following questions:

1. Why did Philadelphia Marriott Downtown choose to host Mom’s for Liberty’s national convention?

2. What criteria or guidelines does your hotel follow when deciding which organizations are allowed to host events on your premises?

3. How does your hotel ensure that the organization hosting events at your hotel align with the values of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all individuals?

We believe it is important for Philadelphia Marriott Downtown to be transparent and accountable to its guests and the community in its decision-making process for hosting events. We look forward to your response and a constructive dialogue in this matter.

Take action! Sign the petition!

Please sign the petition and share on social media! Marriot should not be hosting hate speech!

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Ali M Collins
Ali M Collins

Written by Ali M Collins

mom of twins. education nerd. public school warrior. reformed cat-lady. amateur urbanist. social justice addict. BLERD. & most recently Board of Ed Commissioner