The infamous Westboro Baptist Church came to Portland to protest Portland State's Queer Resource Center. Portland State sent out an email to all 24,000 students, and there were efforts to organize a grassroots counter-protest. | ||
 Unknown WBC member #1.
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 Protest and anti-protest signs, with KATU at left.
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 Jonathon Phelps being interviewed by Valerie Hurst of KATU. Note the sign he is holding as he's being interviewed by the media.
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It turned out that four WBC members showed up, and hundreds of anti-protesters showed up. The anti-protesters were in good spirits, smiling and enjoying each other's company. The WBC members only smiled when they knew they were on camera. On the bright side, they didn't really sing or shout- it was a very muted protest. | ||
 Two younger members- at left (in the Twilight sweatshirt) is 16-year-old Victoria Phelps.
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 My favorite anti-protest sign. Note the smile- most of the anti-protesters were in a very good mood.
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 My second-favorite anti-protest sign.
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Here's the reason WBC was protesting PSU (from their protest schedule): Portland State University - God Hates Fag Enablers SW Market St & SW 13th Ave You know this so-called institution of higher-learning has a Queer (I thought they did not like being called that) Resource Center and they include fags in their affirmative action policy and nondiscrimination policy and that (wait for it) they have gender neutral bathrooms? Alrighty then! Well that will make those rapes and other forms of sexual assaults so much more convenient! In any event, we will be in the neighborhood and will be sure to picket your stinky bottoms. (...) | ||
 Funny anti-protest sign: God Hates Plastic Bags.
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 One of the anti-protests.
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 My absolute favorite anti-protest sign is the blue one, at right.
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I will update this page if/when WBC posts their writeup of the visit to Portland and PSU. | ||
I'm trying to identify the WBC members that arrived. I knew who two of them are- if you can identify the others, please let me know. | ||
 One of the major signs. Eventually they held this up to block signs from the WBC.
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 Unknown #1 showing a smile.
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 Unknown #1 and Jonathon Phelps.
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 Unknown #2.
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 Unknown #1.
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 Some anti-protest (and pro-religion) signs.
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 Anti-protest signs.
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 Some of the anti-protest group.
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 There was a fundraising event attached to the anti-protest. Note the smiles.
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 More signs at another anti-protest location, about a block away.
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