By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Staff
MADISON, Ala. — The Republican Women of Madison successfully hosted their August 28 “Quarterly Meet Up” with U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) despite efforts by protesters to disrupt the gathering.
The event, held at Movement Church, was promoted as an educational program, not a town hall. Organizers acted after protesters with Indivisible Alabama derailed a separate town hall with Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) the night before. To prevent a repeat, club president Sheila Banister worked with the church and Madison Police to establish new safeguards.
Registration Required
Roughly 30 people were in line before the program began. Just after 6 p.m., a church representative announced that only those who had pre-registered and received email confirmation would be admitted. The change sparked anger among several attendees who identified themselves as Madison County Democrats.
Protesters immediately produced signs reading “Liar” and “Stop MAGA Dale, Not Strong.” Some demanded Strong come outside to address them directly as “constituents.”
Police Reinforce Rules
When tension escalated, a Madison Police officer took post at the door, ensuring only registered guests entered. The officer reminded protesters of private property rights and noted the host organization had the authority to set conditions. One woman threatened to call her lawyer, though no violation was specified.
Demonstration Moves Outside
Denied entry, protesters gathered before TV cameras, chanting “Dale Strong ain’t Strong enough” and waving signs. Despite the noise outside, the evening program went forward without incident inside.
Banister said her priority was preserving dialogue and protecting the event’s educational purpose. “We wanted a safe, respectful space for discussion,” she said.