Hundreds of demonstrators flocked to the State House Friday night chanting, “Don’t give into racist fear! Refugees are welcomed here!’’ in protest of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s stance on admitting Syrian refugees to the state, The Boston Globe reported.

Earlier this week, Baker said he was against admitting Syrian refugees to Massachusetts until security concerns were addressed. His response to the crisis set off a round of criticism from local officials and religious leaders who called for humanitarian aid and the acceptance of refugees.

On Friday, about 500 protesters voiced their support for refugees, with members from more than 20 immigrant and refugee groups taking to the State House’s steps to speak, the Globe reported. In a demonstration that lasted more than 90 minutes, activists decried the views expressed by Baker and 30 other governors across the country who say the danger of potential terrorists sneaking in with the masses of innocent refugees makes admitting any from the region too risky.


“It’s very, very easy to let the fear ISIS insinuates to get to us, but that’s not why we’re here,’’ Nadia Alawa, a representative of New Hampshire-based activist group NuDay Syria, said at the protest. “We’re here for love and compassion.’’

Read the full Globe story here.

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