There are new accusations today of a double standard in Richmond, Virginia’s treatment of protesters. The Richmond Tea Party claims it was charged $8,500 to hold rallies at the very same spot where Occupy Wall Street protesters are camping out for free.

Tea Parties argue that the discrepancy is because the mayor of Richmond is a Democrat who is supportive of the Occupy movement. The Tea Party has demanded that they get their $8,500 back. Not only has that not happened, but they’ve also been hit with excise taxes!

The city denies any double standard.