Nearly 200 people gathered on Talbot Street in St. Thomas, Ontario, outside of Andrew Lawton’s campaign office, for a protest dubbed the ‘Stand Up for Decency Rally’. The event, organized by Christine Rudman, quickly gained traction, growing from a simple idea into a large-scale demonstration in just a few days.

“I thought I was the only one concerned, but clearly, I’m not,” said Rudman. “Our concerns are many, starting with the fact that he’s not from this community. He jetted in from another riding, and even if he wins, he plans to rent an apartment here—he’s not truly part of this community. But more importantly, his problematic history with Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, and misogyny cannot be overlooked.”

Dozens of protestors waved signs while honking cars passed in support.

Rudman responded to Lawton’s remarks on the protest, in which he mentioned his struggles with mental health. “He said he has mental health issues,” Rudman noted. “But depression doesn’t equate to racism, Islamophobia, or misogyny. We don’t believe his apology.”

Rudman expressed skepticism over Lawton’s claims of growth, stating she doesn’t believe he has taken steps to make amends or engage with the communities he has hurt.

“He’s asking us to trust him and believe he’s changed,” Rudman said. “But we don’t trust him. We want a representative who truly represents all constituents—not just white men, but everyone in this community.”