Portsmouth‘s Music Hall Cancels Abortion Rights Fundraiser Amidst Security Fears, Sparking Debate
Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall in Portsmouth abruptly canceled a fundraiser for The Lovering Center, a Seacoast-based reproductive health provider, just six days before the event was scheduled to take place. The decision, announced this week, stems from security concerns related to a planned protest, igniting a debate over safety, free speech, and perceived political bias.
The Lovering Center had planned to screen a documentary focused on abortion access at the fundraiser. According to Sandi Denoncour,the association’s executive director,they proactively informed the Music Hall of potential plans for a small exhibition by anti-abortion activists.
“Within hours of that dialog, we were notified that our contract had been canceled,” Denoncour stated. “This reaction unfortunately empowers those seeking to intimidate and silence essential healthcare. We are deeply disappointed that the fear of protest was allowed to stifle open dialogue.”
Tina Sawtelle, President and CEO of the Music Hall, maintained that the cancellation was a purely safety-driven decision. In a statement to NHPR,Sawtelle emphasized that the move “was based solely on safety considerations and shoudl not be interpreted as a political statement.” She cited a growing national trend of violence and unrest creating “new and serious safety challenges for cultural organizations.”
Though, critics strongly disagree wiht the characterization of neutrality.Tanna Clews, leader of the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation, condemned the decision as inherently political. “Canceling an event for a documentary about abortion is a political decision, and it’s clearly anti-abortion,” Clews asserted.
Clews revealed that she spoke with Sawtelle following the cancellation, during which Sawtelle reportedly expressed heightened concerns about violence in the wake of the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sawtelle’s statement to NHPR echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the “unpredictable” public habitat. The Music Hall staff ultimately concluded they lacked the resources to ensure a safe event.
despite the setback, The Lovering Center has secured a new venue for the fundraiser, and Denoncour reported an outpouring of support from the community. “People are frustrated, but they’re also motivated to show up and stand together,” she said.
Portsmouth police have not yet commented on whether they were aware of any planned protests at the Music hall.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Keywords: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Music Hall, Lovering center, Abortion Rights, Fundraiser, Protest, Security concerns, Reproductive Health, charlie Kirk, Political Bias, Free speech.
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