Protesters take to SF City Hall, demanding free speech on social media platforms

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Conservative organizers of a “Demand Free Speech” rally took their message to the steps of San Francisco City Hall Friday afternoon and were met with anti-fascist protesters.

The conservative protesters say they're being unfairly taken off of social media.

They were in San Francicso saying their conservative message is being stifled.

So they took it to the heart of San Francisco, and were met by vocal counter protesters.

The verbal clashes began just as the event was officially kicking off.

Conservative protesters and members of the proud boys verbally sparred with anti-fascist demonstrators.

Tom Canaday from San Francisco organized the noon rally on the steps of San Francisco City Hall.

"The name of the event is 'Demand Free Speech,'" said Canday. "And, our concern is political bias on the social media platforms."

Organizers point to the recent Facebook ban on prominent conservative voices including Laura Loomer and Milo Yiannopoulos.

Dylan Wheeler suspects social media platforms are actively working to stifle his conservative message after watching his Twitter followers stagnate.

"Twitter I've gained 20,000 followers to 30,000 from the moment I started every single month," said Wheeler. "And, now the last four months I've not gained one single follower and I'm at 350,000. It just does not cut off that fast."

Counter protesters say the conservatives are using trying to use the First Amendment to spread a message of hate and intolerance.

"We are here to oppose these Nazis. We are here to oppose these fascists, these white supremacists," said Reiko Redmond.

The most confrontational protesters say the conservative protesters will never be welcome in San Francisco.

"Every time they show they will be resisted. So, as they're being resisted right here. That's why we threw them out of Berkeley five times out of five. Why we threw them out of Union Square last year," said one protester who did not want to share their name.

There was a large law enforcement presence on hand.

San Francisco police officers, sheriff's deputies even park rangers all keeping an eye on the crowd.

Police say the two sides kept their clashes verbal for the most part. No word on any arrests on either side.