Plattsburgh, New York - March 6, 2009
Controversy surrounded Plattsburgh High School Friday afternoon...
Six members of a Kansas-based church protested a production of "the Laramie Project" being staged at the school, which depicts the 1998 death of Matthew Shepard and addresses homophobia.
Armed with signs criticizing the gay population and President Obama, the protestors stood outside Plattsburgh High School preaching their anti-gay message. They were surrounded by dozens of high school and college students, community members and police officers.
"God hates fags, God hates fag enablers, therefore God hates Plattsburgh High and Plattsburgh, New York," said Steve Drain, a protester from the Westboro Baptist Church.
Plattsburgh High School sophomore Christine Hamm said, "We were just surprised that someone could have that much hatred. We just go against them. It's just really hard to understand how people can feel that way."
The Kansas church members are led by Pastor Fred Phelps, who has become controversial for picketing gay pride events and the funerals of American soldiers. Phelps was not at Friday's protest.
Beth Parent - WCAX News
