The Westboro Baptist Church protested outside the Oklahoma State Capitol Monday, claiming the Oklahoma Legislature was too friendly to gays and lesbians.
The state Legislature caused controversy last month when the House of Representatives invited Scott Jones, an openly gay minister, to lead the morning prayer. The Legislature recorded Jones’ remarks about gay rights made before the prayer into records alongside his prayer.
This decision caught the attention of the anti-gay activist church and prompted them to pay the state capitol a visit.
The church said the state Legislature contradicted itself in its actions.
“They claim to be for the family and God, and then they let a fag lead them in prayer,” said Shirley Phelps-Roper, leader of the Westboro Baptist Church protestors.
She said the state Legislature should be less accepting of gays, which did not make sense to some counter-protestors.
“I’m very confused when it comes to why they came here,” said Angela Wood, a counter-protestor. “Oklahoma isn’t exactly gay-rights friendly.”
Wood said she attended the counter-protest to defend the memory of a friend who died while serving in Iraq and whose funeral was interrupted by a Westboro Baptist Church protest.
Phelps-Roper said the Legislature’s decision with Jones showed it is friendly to homosexuals.
“They say they are for the Lord, pass a few laws here and there, and then they open the doors to the same people who make a mockery of his word,” she said.
Phelps-Roper said it doesn’t matter where a government is located or how it votes, because all governments endorse sin. She also said God will judge the leaders heavily.
Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, a noted anti-gay legislator, is too pro-gay, Phelps-Roper said.
“She is just anti-gay to get power and money,” she said. “Sally Kern was in the chamber and enabled the man to say the prayer. She says one thing and does another. The woman is focused on self-righteousness.”
Kern is a pro-gay legislator because she was in the chamber and took part in the prayer, Phelps-Roper said.
“Anyone who listened to the prayer enabled the man to desecrate the sacred ritual of prayer,” she said.
Phelps-Roper said the only prayer God hears from a homosexual is one of repentance and salvation, which makes the minister’s prayer useless.
Kern said she enjoyed the prayer and thinks it pleased God, but does not support gays.
“I think God loves everyone,” she said. “I was in the chamber and I heard the prayer, and prayed along with Rev. Jones.”
Kern said she does not endorse what the Westboro Baptist Church says or does, and her voting record will show she stands for traditional values. She voted against including into the record the pro-gay remarks made by the minister.
“The only reason I focus on homosexuality is because God focuses on homosexuality,” Kern said. “But I don’t hate anyone. God tells me to love everyone, and I try my best to do so.”
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tommyscheurich 3 years, 2 months ago
Eheheh. The westies make me happy. Though they may not be wrong about god being my enemy. He does seem to be out to get me lately...
mikedavis 3 years, 2 months ago
There is a little kid holding a "God Hates Fags" sign in that picture. I feel sorry for that little kid. He is being raised by some real nutcases.
klady 3 years, 2 months ago
I am a God fearing, Jesus loving, devoted Christian and this is a horrifying misrepresentation of who God is. God most certainly does not hate Obama or anyone claiming homosexuality. It is fairly clear in the Bible that He does not condone homosexuality but to say "God hates Fags" does not represent His heart! I am grieved that people who claim to be Christians can be so hateful.
Rhology 3 years, 2 months ago
These people are a total cult. They are not Christians, and they are not Baptists. Too bad they get media coverage and money from winning lawsuits when foolish people assault them or limit their free speech rights. Engage them! Calmly, reasonably. Refute them in public. Ignore them otherwise.
eightbitgirl 3 years, 2 months ago
These people certainly are a boil on the arse of the world, aren't they? Sometimes I wonder if Jesus gives himself a concussion from facepalming due to all of the ridiculous crap done "in his name."
mfhayes 3 years, 2 months ago
Any group that thinks Sally Kern is too "pro-gay" doesn't even deserve a counter-protest.
JJanowiak 3 years, 2 months ago
We all know that Sally Kern is a crypto-Westborite. Also, it's too bad that they retired the "FAGS EAT POOP" sign, that was pure comedy gold when they trumpeted it around Sapulpa.
mythman 3 years, 2 months ago
Good thing they didn't hear about the stuff in the Library.
len44 3 years, 2 months ago
It disturbs me that these ignorant and intolerant people are acting this way. Jesus was a messenger of peace and love and signs claiming "God Hates Fags" do nothing to spread that message.
jake 3 years, 2 months ago
That kid is holding a sign that says, "God Hates Fags." Poor kid. This is just sad. I can't believe how mean and nasty people can be.