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Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez has been a dedicated champion for the working class across the 25th Ward and all of Chicago since he unseated Danny Solis in the 2019 aldermanic elections. Byron has fought greedy developers and corrupt landlords, and has fought for 25th Ward residents facing displacement as an alderman. Byron’s position as Housing Committee is now under attack – and it is critical that a dedicated socialist can continue to lead the Housing Committee.
Byron joined local organizers to advocate for protesters’ right to march within sight and sound of the Democratic National Convention, especially those who want to see a Free Palestine and demand a ceasefire. Byron spoke after a military veteran spoke forcefully against Israel’s war on Gaza and burned a flag in protest.
Conservatives falsely accused Byron of burning an American flag – a lie which has endangered Byron and his family. A bloc of Chicago’s most right-wing alderpeople, who have refused to support Treatment Not Trauma, police accountability, the Uniting for Peace ceasefire resolution, Bring Chicago Home and more wants to censure Byron for his defense of free speech.
We can see this censure demand for what it really is: a craven attempt by City Council’s right wing to remove one of City Council’s socialists from an important position on the Housing Committee, while they look for opportunities to remove more left alders from positions of power.
Socialists have always been at the forefront in the fight of free speech and basic civil rights and civil liberties. Not long ago laws banned the distribution of socialist literature, or the right of socialists to gather together and hold meetings, or to speak out against war and genocide. We will not go back to the time of state repression against socialists – or anyone. Take action with us to defend Byron and protect free speech for Free Palestine!
