A rally promoting unity was held Saturday in response to an anti-LGBTQ Christian group’s march through the city’s gay village. A group of evangelicals with the Christ Forgiveness Ministry, including street preacher David Lynn and longtime activist Charles McVety, marched up Church Street calling for the protection of free-speech and civil liberties. The march was in response to several incidents this year where preachers, including Lynn, were detained after bringing loudspeakers into The Village and allegedly provoking fights with people nearby. The 519 Community Centre, area councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and others organized a unity rally, which kicked off around 11:30 a.m. to support the LGBTQ community. Justin Khan, one of the leaders of the rally, said the community came together to make sure everyone feels welcome despite the march. “Folks are aware, they can feel tension … but I think power in numbers speaks volumes,” he said. “We will stand together, we will stand united, and peacefully we will defend our community and Church Street.”