Swastikas displayed on a banner in Southbury are being condemned by the Connecticut chapter of the Anti-Defamation League. 

The sign appeared to show donkeys with swastikas on them, calling it the new logo for the Democratic Party.  The sign was on state land on Playhouse Corner.  A group of protestors put up the banner Saturday claiming those in the party are socialists, anti-American, anti-Jewish, anti-Second Amendment and pro-hate.  It called Democrats the modern day Nazi party. 

There's no criminal investigation into the incident at this time, being viewed as a freedom of speech issue. 

A special Board of Selectmen meeting was held in Southbury last night featuring a discussion and statement condemning the symbolism of the protest sign.  Town officials also discussed the American Rescue Plan Act Task Force and other issues.

"We are saddened and disturbed to learn that this has occurred in our Town. Southbury has a rich history of opposition to the Nazi symbol and what it stands for. The display of a swastika or similar symbols of hate, which are a false analogy to the reality of the Holocaust, have no place in Southbury. Displays such as this cheapen the memory of the millions of lives lost and ignore the trauma that lasts for generations. While our Board certainly respects the right of protestors to assemble peacefully and speak freely on topics of interest to them, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of any symbols of hate to do so.  The display of a swastika in the Town of Southbury is contrary to everything we believe in as a community.  Our Board stands strongly against hate and bigotry in all its forms, and together with all those in our community who expect and deserve to know that their elected leaders will work together to ensure that all people feel safe in Southbury."