Students protest hate group

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Hundreds of East Providence High School students and other community members turned out Friday afternoon to counter-protest a Topeka, KS church known for picketing funerals of gay victims of murder, gay-bashing or AIDS, as well as soldiers killed in action. But residents are coming out in force against the church's activities.

Westboro Baptist Church planned several protests for the afternoon throughout Rhode Island, including at the Rhode Island State House, because according to the group's website, "They are the most 'gay' friendly spot in DOOMED America."

Five of the protesters were from Westboro Baptist Church and nearly 100 others were there to protest against the church members.

East Providence's school department sent out messages to parents, warning them of the protest, but plans to close school early were scuttled.

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church travel to locations all over the country to do similar protests. Since some of their activities have spurred scuffles, East Providence police are stationed at the corner of Pawtucket Ave. and Taunton Ave. to help keep the peace.

In addition to the students, other community members are reacting to the Westboro Baptist visit with protests of their own, including from the GLBT and GLBT-amenable community. A Facebook event group was started to spread the word of the visit.

"It is outrageous... They are teaching their children this hate. Do not let them do it in our state! Drown out their voices!" reads the organizer's description.

But some commenters at the event's page say the church is merely clamoring for attention that is undeserved.

The Diocese of Providence and National Organization for Marriage Rhode Island (NOMRI) both have stated their clear opposition to Westboro Baptist's planned demonstrations in the Ocean State.

"It's very unfortunate that members of the Westboro Baptist Church have found their way to Rhode Island. In this community, while we often have vigorous debates about many issues, we try to do so in away that is civil and respectful," said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. "I urge members of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island, and all the members of our community, to firmly reject the hateful and divisive rhetoric of the Westboro Baptist Church."