Rally reacts to recent rapes, murder, other violence in Idaho

The event at the Idaho Capitol focused on sexual violence, hate crimes and other forms of abuse against marginalized groups Friday afternoon.

Organized by the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, the rally featured several speakers including state Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, and state Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise.

The rally was set up in response to the allegations of the rape of a black, disabled boy in Dietrich; the alleged rape of a Boise State student by members of the football team; the killing of Steve Nelson, a Nampa resident; and other reports of violence.

“Today we must realize that the recent outbreaks of injustice that the stereotype of Idaho has yet again taken over our home and our love,” said Fatima Tall, youth activist/organizer for the Idaho Coalition.

Kelly Miller, executive director of the Idaho Coalition, encouraged rally-goers to talk about these tough issues within their communities, to push for policy change at the state-level and to run for office.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Rally reacts to recent rapes, murder, other violence in Idaho."