UCF Knights take on Westboro
At 9:15 a.m. on Monday, July 15, the infamous Westboro Baptist Church held out their “God Hates Fags” signs on the Memory North Lawn of the University of Central Florida at the main campus in Orlando, Fla. Before Westboro made their appearance, the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) students, along with allies, were already in groups waiting for the demonstrators.
As soon as it was announced that Westboro was at the lawn, the Knights came swarming in around them. Westboro stood there in silence while students shouted statements, making it known that controversial protestors do not enter Knight territory without a fight. Some students also held up opposing signs reading, “Love is Love” and “Gay sex is sin-sational!” The LGBT students and allies spoke out saying, “Jesus loves us. God doesn’t hate.” Even one student raised her voice, “My family is Christian and they accept me!”
The church has garnered attention all over the nation as being a hate group, and not just a hate group towards LGBT people. The church has targeted Jewish institutions, President Obama, Christians, Catholics, and funerals for American soldiers. According to the church’s official website, GodHatesFags.com, the WBC was established by Pastor Fred Phelps in 1955, with his family being the majority of the members. The church is located in Topeka, Kansas.
As soon as someone enters their website, on the left-hand side is a sidebar titled “Numbers”. According to Westboro, the numbers indicate the number of people who are being cast into Hell since someone has entered their site (which grows every second), the number of soldiers God has killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (6,735), the number of cities they have visited (currently 909), along with many other numbers, there is also a list of Sister Sites.
The church made it official they were coming to UCF on their website, “WBC will hold a public demonstration at the University of Central Florida to remind this generation that they have so enraged the Lord their God that their destruction is imminent!…They have been taught from the cradle the great lies that ‘God loves everyone’ and ‘It’s okay to be gay’—lies that will kill their bodies, destroy their nation and damn their souls to Hell forever.”
The university encourages diversity and open-mindedness, one of the well-known LGBT organizations is Equal.
Angelica Gonzalez, President of Equal, said “Well, to put it simply, Equal is just one organization in the myriad of groups at UCF that won’t stand for the hate. These people, like the Westboro supporters, exist, and sometimes even though people think we should ignore them and stop fueling the fire, it’s empowering to know that so many people are proud and brave enough to show what support in a community means. Relating that back to Equal, I personally believe that is what the organization is all about, albeit on a smaller scale, and it makes me happy to be part of such an amazing group of like-minded people.” The Pride Coalition also had “A Chance for Conversation—Moving Past the Hate Speech of Westboro Baptist Church” from 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. to allow students to discuss the impact.
Alfonso Borrell • Nov 11, 2013 at 7:39 pm
This was a great article to read. Its a joy to see a group of people gathering together to support one another. Its also very shocking to see another group of people who have been brain washed into thinking such horrible and negative things. These are people who cant stand or bear to know that people are actually happy in this world. To think that they are teaching their children’s these types of things is very disheartening. Hopefully they open their eyes and their hearts and accept people.
denise Ayora • Nov 9, 2013 at 12:24 pm
I can’t believe that these ignorant people make these false statements that God himself hates homosexuals. It is truly deplorable that many are feeding anger off to other people so they could join their protest and spit out hurtful remarks and insanities. What is their goal anyway
other than win an army of enemies thinking their stance is just stupid and baseless. I don’t understand why people draw their own conclusions and blame it on God hating sinners and homosexuals. I wished I could of been there at UCF, it could have been my opportunity to shout back my view and claim how Westboro Baptist Church is antagonizing the rest of humanity with ridiculous ideas and false concepts. They are truly disgusting to think that way anyhow. I only hope that these people could have a strike of realization of how much pain they are causing to others.
K Knight • Oct 16, 2013 at 11:35 am
This is an awesome use of freedom of speech, and right to assembly! Im proud for those who attended the demonstration and take active part in the message. How dare someone of the church decides where God’s love lies. As hypocritical as their ignorance, it only takes one to corrupt a bunch. Much strength in your success.
Alyssa • Oct 14, 2013 at 2:37 pm
As much as I support and am grateful for freedom of speech, it saddens my heart that people, like the supporters of Westboro, exist. People who are ok with spreading this type of hatred simply shock me. How could someone be so heartless? I’m also extremely ashamed to share a last name with their pastor/leader. Its one thing to not agree with someone’s lifestyle, or choose to teach your children your own opinions, but to almost celebrate a loss of a life is so unbelievably disgusting. I’m so very proud of UCF to show how this is not to be tolerated. They may have the right to spew their hatred, but everyone else has a right to spread their love. So gross!
colleen crowley • Oct 13, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Unbelievable! It is scary to know that there are people so hateful in this world. I think it’s so funny how these people that belong to the Westboro church truely believe that what they are doing is what God would want. Gays, transgender, bisexuals and lesbians are human beings too and are definitely not going to hell for loving someone unconditionally no matter what gender. I believe that people should have the right to love whoever they want. Who are we to deny someone happiness. It is their life and the LGBT’s should be able to live it with whoever they choose. If anything these people are going to hell for dedicating their life to harassing perfectly good people. It is nice to see other groups like the Equals who know that God loves them no matter what and are willing to fight for what is right. And it is great to see that other college students my age are involved in something so powerful!
Ryan Rannie • Oct 2, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Wow.. This is serious! The controversy over these assembles and topics are phenomenal. The fact the it didn’t escalate to a physical is great. But still this is crazy. The church I attend is great and we accept anyone! I don’t know how people could be so hateful… And the fact that they took it beyond just sexuality is just ridiculous. I’m glad there is the organization called Equal, they’re defending and fighting for something important.
adviser • Oct 2, 2013 at 5:26 am
Veronica. Sound story and reporting. Nice work capturing photos that represent a peaceful applications of freedom to assemble. Good work and I know you will be a success as UCF!
Dr. Gaspar