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Petitions to abolish KKK, declare it a terrorist organization gain steam

Several online petitions that seek to designate the Ku Klux Klan a terrorist organization have spread like wildfire — picking up hundreds of thousands of signatures in the wake of nationwide protests against racism and police brutality.

The description of one of the petitions on Change.org says it was set up because the racist group is still “active in certain parts of the country and has public rallies.”

The appeal seeks to make membership in the group, which was founded as a paramilitary organization in the South after the Civil War, illegal.

“The Ku Klux Klan is a white supremacist hate group with historic background of terrorism, including countless physical assaults and murders,” the petition reads.

“Hate should not be a way to bring communities together, nor should it be allowed or tolerated,” it adds.

The petition had nearly 180,000 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon and has a goal of 200,000.

A second petition asking that the group be designated a terrorist organization has garnered more than 100,000 signatures on Change.org.

“The KKK is a terrorist organization protected by the [First Amendment]. It is a travesty to allow such an organization to function under the law,” the description of the petition reads.

“Abolish this hateful group that is carrying on a history of abuse, racism, and murder. Abolish the KKK,” it adds.