KBIA Local
(2010-02-11)
COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
"And Justice for All" was the theme for the all-gay Heartland Men's Chorus concert last night in Columbia. But not everyone agreed with this idea of sexual orientation equality. Protesters on both sides of the gay rights spectrum stood on opposite sides of the street in front of the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts where the event was held.The Westboro Baptist Church protested the event, calling it the "corruption of this day and age." The group also held signs reading things like, "You're going to Hell" and "God is your enemy." Church member Jonathon Phelps calls the gay lifestyle...
"99.999% of the people say that it's perfectly okay to be gay and that God is a liar, and therefore God has got nothing but vengeance and no mercy for this generation for these rebels in this country."
On the other side of the street, counter-protesters carried signs mocking the Westboro Baptist Church members. The signs read things like "God Hates Chihuahuas" and "I love wigs." Rob Tibiat held a sign that said "God Hates Shrimp." The signs were designed to lighten the mood and Tibiat says to spread the message of love over hate.
"I just think that they need support, and if folks are coming out to demonstrate hate, that the chorus needs folks coming out demonstrating love and say that it's okay to be here and it's okay to be who you are and be here."
The Heartland Men's Chorus held the concert in connection with the Mid-Missouri Center Project to promote unity among people of all sexual orientations. And despite what was going on outside the theatre, the group still managed to draw a large crowd to the concert. Some even felt that the protesting attracted more people to the event. © Copyright 2012, KBIA
