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"Million Fag March" Turns the Tables on Homophobic Pastor Fred Phelps
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Finally, someone is protesting the world's most odious protester. The Million Fag March is set for Sunday morning, March 30 in Topeka, Kan., home of Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church.
Fred and his family (13 children and 54 grandchildren) show up at military funerals with signs reading, "God Hates Fags," "God Hates America," "Fags Die, God Laughs," etc. Fred apparently arrives at these insights after personal discussions with The Creator wherein He tells Fred that everything bad that happens in the world is His revenge for America "tolerating" gays.
Organizers say it's time to "show Phelps and his church that freedom of speech works both ways."
There are two big challenges with the march. First is the laws passed in Topeka to protect the other churches from Phelps. They prohibit the Freds of the world (of which, mercifully, there are few) from getting within 50 feet of a house of worship for a half-hour before or after services are planned. So the march might have to take place in Topeka but not too close to Westboro Baptist.
The second challenge could be even harder. Organizers are determined to keep the protest peaceful, but since Fred's whole goal is to whip up feelings of intolerance and hate, not responding in kind will be a toughie. Still, the expectation is clear.
Absolutely. No. Violence. It doesn't matter if Fred Phelps comes to the March himself and starts throwing punches. The police will handle it.
If you feel that you could in any way be provoked, do not plan on attending.
...The Phelps family uses hate speech to draw attention to themselves. To do that during the March would only be bringing ourselves down to their level. So, please, no hate speech on your signs, clothes, and mouths.
Besides, "God Hates Fred" signs are lame and obvious. You can do better. Sending the message you want to send without being blatantly hateful shouldn't be all that hard for you.
If you're anywhere near Topeka, please plan to attend the march. You can sign up here. If you're not, organizers need donations for costs associated with permitting, security, etc. so your donations are welcome.
Trish is a regular blogger for the Pensito Review.
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