By Rita R. Robison
Last week, an initiative was filed in Olympia, Wash., to repeal the law legalizing gay marriage, which was passed by the Washington State Legislature this spring.
To mark the occasion, the Westboro Baptist Church, a nationally know hate group, came to Olympia to spread their anti-gay message.
In addition to protesting at the Capitol Building and the Thurston County Auditor’s Office, they demonstrated at Olympia High School.
Since they were coming to my neighborhood, I decided to get up early and go see who they were.
Those demonstrating last week for the "church" were white, baby boomer women and their kids. It was sickening to watch them and listen to their horrible songs. I thought it was terrible that they spread their message of fear and hate, using the freedoms this country grants in its laws and constitution.
About 1,000 people gathered in a counter protest at the high school. It was peaceful. I’m glad that people were told in advance not to go near members of the Westboro Baptist Church. They have a history of suing local governments and people who try to oppose them and their demonstrations.
A group of young people stood on the corner across from the Westboro Baptist Church members, also counter protesting.
A child held a No Hate sign.
This young person was brave enough to tell a story with these signs about a gay teen who was bullied and committed suicide.
It was a very emotional morning. One woman told me she laughed and cried and laughed and cried during the counter demonstration. I felt such anger and deep sorrow because of the hate messages so blatantly displayed by members of the Westboro Baptist Church. I also felt great joy because of the support for the gay people showed by members of my community.
Its horrible to see how people can be so closed minded. People need to be more open minded. We are in 2017 already.