FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — For the second time this week, the Kentucky Poor People’s Campaign members were denied access to the Capitol building in Frankfort as a group. This time they were there as part of a national campaign calling for "moral revival."
"Policies reflect terrible cruelties and disproportionately affect persons of color, and disproportionately affect persons of lower economic status. These are the issues we’re fighting most against," said Pastor Kent Gilbert from the Union Church of Berea.
The Kentucky Poor People’s Campaign, in conjunction with a national movement that saw many arrested Wednesday in Washington D.C., wants government officials to do "what they promised when they were sworn in."
"If you’re gonna keep talking about the Bible, and bragging that you put your hand on the Bible, you ought to know what’s in it! Evidently, someone doesn’t know what’s in that, or your Constitution," said Rev. Dr. William Barber.
Barber said its unconstitutional to not allow peaceful protests inside a state building, but the group was denied access when it tried to reach to the rotunda in Frankfort. They were told that only two people would be allowed in at a time.
Barber called Gov. Matt Bevin an impediment to progress for people of lower incomes.
Another Poor People’s Campaign rally is set for Monday at 2 p.m. in Frankfort. There will be one in Washington, D.C., on Monday as well.
Several Kentucky Democratic lawmakers have asked Attorney General Andy Beshear to look into the legality of preventing protesters from entering the Capitol.
