Portsmouth’s Music Hall Cancels Abortion Provider fundraiser Amid Security Fears
A fundraiser for a Seacoast-based abortion provider, The Lovering Center, was canceled by The Music Hall in Portsmouth just six days before its scheduled date, sparking debate over free speech and safety concerns. The decision, made after notification of a planned protest, has drawn criticism from advocates who argue it silences vital conversations.
The Lovering Center, a regional provider of complete sexual and reproductive health services, had planned to screen a documentary about abortion at the event. According to the organization’s executive director, Sandi Denoncour, they alerted The Music Hall after learning of plans for a “small anti-abortion protest.”
“Within hours of that communication,we were notified that our contract had been canceled,” Denoncour stated. “Unfortunately, this reaction gives undue power to those seeking to intimidate and silence care. We’re disappointed that fear of protest was allowed to override open conversation.”
Tina Sawtelle, president and CEO of The Music Hall, maintained the decision was based solely on safety. In a statement to NHPR, Sawtelle asserted the theater’s choice “was based solely on safety considerations and should not be interpreted as a political statement.” She cited a broader climate of unrest impacting cultural organizations nationwide.
However, Tanna Clews, leader of the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation, strongly disagreed with the characterization of the decision as neutral. “Canceling an event for a documentary about abortion is not neutral,and it’s a political decision that is clearly anti-abortion,” Clews said.
Clews revealed that she spoke with Sawtelle earlier this week,during which Sawtelle reportedly expressed heightened concerns about potential violence following the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sawtelle echoed this sentiment in her statement to NHPR,noting that “acts of violence and unrest have created new and serious safety challenges for cultural organizations nationwide” and that her staff concluded they lacked the capacity to safely host the event.
Despite the setback,The Lovering Center has secured an option venue for the fundraiser. Denoncour reported “an outpouring of support from across the region,” adding, “People are frustrated, but they’re also motivated to show up and stand together.”
Portsmouth police did not respond to inquiries regarding any planned protests at The Music Hall. It is worth noting that The Music Hall is an underwriter for NHPR, but the news organization confirmed that underwriters have no influence over editorial coverage.
This incident underscores the growing challenges faced by organizations navigating the intersection of free speech, public safety, and politically charged issues in today’s volatile environment.
