March 30, 2008

First Million Fag March a Success!

Unfortunately we weren’t able to make it to the event due to financial constraints, but we’re excited nonetheless. About 400 people marched on Topeka to protest the nasty, homophobic Phelps clan and their practice of picketing funerals across America. The event was such a great success they hope to make it an annual event.

They came with signs of love, respect and tolerance in all different races, sexual orientations and age groups, to show members of the Westboro Baptist Church that they too have first amendment rights.

“Standing up is the right thing to do,” said JD Stottlemire, march participant. “I think it’s exciting it’s the million fag march today, not because it has anything to do with homosexuality but because it dis-empowers the Phelps.”

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Chris Love is the organizer of the march, but you didn’t have to be homosexual to participate.

So what’s behind the name?

Love said it has to do with the church’s use of the word.

“Generally it seems to be the case with them that anybody who’s not apart of their church gets called a fag, so in that situation everybody here is a fag,” Love said.

…..

The Phelps have been around for 17 years and have done more than 34,000 pickets.

They were invited to the march to express their views but didn’t show up.

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With police protection on the ground and in the air participants peacefully walked the streets of Topeka.

And though the demonstrators know they won’t change the minds of the Westboro members, Love had this to say.

“You can at least have your voice heard,” he said.

Topeka police say there were no problems with the march.

Because of the large turnout, organizers are planning to make the protest an annual event.