There was a time when having a phobia of clowns meant you simply avoided the circus at all costs, but with more and more clowns making their presence known by loitering in dark allies and lingering in dimly-lit neighbourhoods, it is, for many coulrophobes, becoming harder to overcome our fear.

It looks, however, like society's phobia of the ever-smiling circus staple is having a detrimental effect on clown morale right now, and they've decided it's time to exercise their rights.

In an effort to remind the public that clowns have feelings too, a march has, according to Uproxx, been organised in Tucson, Arizona which aims to integrate clowns with the larger community.

Commenting on the purpose of the march, organiser Nikki Sinn said: "This is a peaceful walk to show clowns are not psycho killers."

"We want the public to feel safe and not be afraid. So come out, bring the family, meet a clown and get a hug," she urged.

Unsurprisingly, those involved in the march have experienced pushback from chairman of the Arizona Black Lives Matter campaign, Reginald Walton.

"The notion of a Clown Lives Matter rally is insensitive, as the issue of police brutality and violence is a serious issue and the clown issue is not as important," he argued,

"The Clown Lives Matter rally takes away the focus of a serious issue in this country that we are working with law enforcement and the community to resolve."

We're with him on that one.