UPDATE: Protest over Michigan’s state of emergency to go on, despite Facebook removing 2 events

The Facebook event page for an upcoming protest against extending Michigan’s state of emergency was deleted by Facebook’s staff for defying the government’s guidance on social distancing.

Protesters plan to gather Thursday morning, April 30, outside the Michigan State Capitol building and call on legislators not to extend the state of emergency, which gives Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her administration additional executive authority to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

A Facebook event titled “Rally on the State Capitol Lawn" was created earlier this month to organize the April 30 protest, which is slated for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Lansing.

The protest’s event page was taken down by Facebook’s staff, according to a company spokesperson who said events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing aren’t allowed on Facebook.

Facebook will remove content that advocates for in-person gatherings that defy health guidance, as well as claims that discourage treatment or taking appropriate precautions, according to a spokesperson.

The April 30 event was reported to the company, which triggered a content review. A spokesperson for Facebook said reports to the company are anonymous by rule and Facebook does not report the identity of a complainant.

“We reached out to state officials to understand the scope of their orders, not about removing specific protests on Facebook,” the spokesperson said in an email to MLive. “We remove the posts when gatherings do not follow the health parameters established by the government and are therefore unlawful.”

In states like Michigan where social distancing is required for protests during the COVID-19 crisis, Facebook requires protests organized on its site to make clear calls for social distancing. The social media platform has also removed posts on anti-stay-at-home protests in California, New Jersey and Nebraska, according to a report by CNN.

Organizers of the April 30 rally in Lansing have created a second event page after the original event’s removal last week -- American Patriot Rally on Capital Lawn. It’s scheduled for the same time on the same day as the previous event.

Jason Howland, one of the organizers, said the message remains the same. Participants want legislators to vote “No” on the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s request to extend the state of emergency declaration, which expires April 30. Whitmer is asking for lawmakers to approve a 28-day extension to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

“This is not a Republican rally, Democrat rally or a Trump rally, it’s a rally for American patriots to stand for freedom!" reads the event’s description.

Organizers have been in contact with Lansing city and police department staff regarding the protest. Robert Merritt, public information director for the Lansing Police Department, said police will “actively monitor the situation and take enforcement when appropriate and within consideration of officer safety and resource allocations at the time."

Regarding precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Howland said it remains up to each individual on if they want to wear a mask and/or maintain six feet of separation from other protesters.

Public health officials have said social distancing, which includes keeping six feet of separation from other people outside your home and avoiding groups and crowded places, is key to preventing the spread of COVID19. The respiratory virus has infected at least 38,210 people in Michigan, of which 3,407 have died.

Howland said the previous event page reached 3,500 people who said they were interested in attending the rally. The new page had around 565 “interested” people as of Tuesday morning.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Conservative Coalition and Michigan Freedom Fund hosted “Operation Gridlock" to protest the governor’s stay-at-home order. Most participants remained in their vehicles during the April 15 rally, but dozens left their vehicles -- many of whom were not wearing masks.

Gov. Whitmer’s latest stay-at-home order requires masks that cover the mouth and nose be worn in any enclosed public space by anyone who can “medically tolerate wearing a mask.” Masks can be homemade, a scarf, bandana or handkerchief.

Whitmer did say there are no charges associated with not wearing a mask, however businesses may refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask in an enclosed space.

Attempts by MLive to contact the governor’s office regarding the April 30 protest have been unsuccessful.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more on MLive:

Whitmer extends order loosening scope of practice laws for health care workers

Michigan businesses urged to apply ‘quickly’ as new round of Paycheck Protection Program begins

One million people in Michigan have received unemployment benefits since mid-March

Daily life grinds to a halt with empty streets, a rising death toll as coronavirus lays siege to Detroit