Two thousand to counter protest ‘God Hates Fags’ church in support of gay basketball player
Over two thousand have said they will protest in support of a gay basketball player at the University of Massachusetts after the Westboro Baptist Church said it would picket him.
Over 2,200 people signed up on Facebook to say they would demonstrate in support of the LGBT community at the university.
The Westboro Baptist Church, known for its ‘God Hates Fags’ slogan, said it would picket the university after gay basketball player Derrick Gordon came out as gay.
A photo was uploaded as supporters began to arrive.
Organisers told supporters to wear purple or tie dye and to carry placards saying: “UMass united,” “love conquers hate,” “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that,” “hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” “UMass stands as one.”
They also warned attendees not “to engage physically or verbally with any individuals. The strength of our statement is in our spirit. No yelling, no hate. We can’t stand unified against if we act inappropriately.”
