Thursday, 4:30 PM
Protesters march against bio-lab
By Scott Allen
Globe Staff
A colorful band of protesters led by a ragtime band and people dressed as victims of genetic engineering marched today through the streets of Roxbury and the South End to protest the construction of a bio-lab at Boston University medical center that will conduct research on some of the most deadly diseases known to man.
Standing in front of the high-rise laboratory now under construction on Albany Street, bio-lab opponent Klare Allen said, "The structure may be here, but the stuff is not inside and the people have the power to stop it."
The peaceful protest, which drew about 150 people to Blackstone Park in the South End, was organized by various groups protesting biotechnology and the war in Iraq.
During a parade from Dudley Square to the park, people loudly expressed opposition but there were no incidents. At least 25 Boston Police officers escorted the parade.
Organizers admitted they would have liked to see more people turn out after five years fighting the bio-lab, part of the Federal government's anti-terrorism initiative.
"We need to get more people to stop this," said Claire Allen.
The protest was part of a larger campaign called BioJustice 2007, which is intended as an alternative to Bio 2007, the conference opening today in Boston.
