Fred Phelps (the "God Hates Fags" Guy) in Madison & Milwaukee

[Lisaben2619]

Any word on any sort of counter-protests in either city during his visits this weekend?

[ewagner]

1. He'll be about as welcome

in Madison as the plague........hope he's got good security.

[htuttle]

2. THAT RAT BASTARD IS COMING TO MADISON???!!!????

Need a time and place.

He knows he's not welcome here. I do not intend to disappoint him in that regard.

[AllyCat]

3. Oh Gosh!

I'll be there that weekend with a bunch of Dem friends. I'm sure they would LOVE to do this! When? Where?

[Lisaben2619]

4. I just assumed there was already a counter-protest planned.

I live in Oshkosh and I haven't heard anything. I would certainly try to get folks from here to go if possible.

[Lisaben2619]

5. Sorry about the quick posts--here's the scopp that I was sent just now

http://www.livejournal.com/community/madisonwi/426784.html?mode=reply

[Lefta Dissenter]

6. I'm going to try to go

to the counter-protest. I'll put out the word on our Democratic Unity group tonight, to see who else can go.

Keep us posted as to who is going from here - it would be good to meet up with some DUers if possible.

[Lefta Dissenter]

7. If you can stomach it, go to

http://www.godhatesamerica.com/

THIS IS A CHURCH WEBSITE??? OMG I would have thought it was a disgusting spoof. I am just sick over this.


Click on the link on the left for WBC picket schedule.


November 20, 2004
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Madison, WI
Madison East High School , 2222 E. Washington Ave.

November 20, 2004
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Madison, WI
St. Patrick Church, 404 E. Main St.

November 20, 2004
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Madison, WI
St. Raphael Cathedral, 222 W. Main St

[geekgrrl]

8. some more information- this is gives me chills he is so horrible!

I've seen him protesting once before when I first came out and participated in the dyke march in NYC- it was truly horrific. I cna't believe he is coming here- and to East HS which is so close to where I live. ARGGGGHHHH. Let's make him REALLY wish he never came here.

Just got this from my grad student listserve:

This Saturday, November 20, The Reverend Fred Phelps will be in town protesting East High School's performance of The Laramie Project. We need to stand with our queer brothers and sisters by counter-protesting this bigot in support of the play and all the involved students. The play starts around 7 pm on Saturday, and I assume Phelps will be there before that, so let's aim to get there around 6. Radical Cheerleaders will be there to taunt the bigots and inspire everyone else.

[RetroLounge]

9. Rotten fruit, tossed at his head

would make him feel most welcome.

Wish I could be there.

RL

[Lisaben2619]

10. Madison PFLAG and GLSEN are recommending no counter protest

Obviously, they feel that ignoring Phelps is the best plan.

Was sent the following email:




Dear Friends,
Students at East High School in Madison are staging a production of Moises Kaufman’s The Laramie Project Thursday, November 18 – Saturday, November 20. Performance times are 7:30 pm Thursday - Saturday, with an additional show at 2:00 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $3 adults, $2 students.


Fred Phelps, of the Topeka, Kansas Westboro Baptist Church, plans to protest the evening show on Saturday. Phelps is notorious for traveling the country to protest the funerals of AIDS patients, schools that support GSAs, openly gay public officials, and more. He most recently protested the approval of the Madison Metropolitan School District GLBTQ Resource Teacher.


GLSEN staff has been working with both the Madison Metropolitan School District as well as the students themselves to ensure the safety of all students. The students plan to deny Phelps the attention he is s! eeking by not staging a counter protest. Other efforts we are aware of include:


· James Reeb Unitarian Universal Church plans to host a discussion of the play immediately following the Saturday 2:00 pm showing. James Reeb is located at 2146 E Johnson street, just kitty corner to the East High Tennis courts. Their! doors will be open from 1:00-10:00 pm to provide a space for those opposed to the Fred Phelps group to warm-up, have refreshments, hang out together, chat etc.

· Every Minute Counts has returned to provide folks with a chance to show their support for LGBT students by pledging to donate a certain amount of money for each minute that Phelps protests. The group has decided to once again put all money raised towards the GLSEN-SCW annual youth scholarship. For more information on ho! w to get involved with Every Minute Counts contact Shawn Neal at [e-mail].

We will attempt to keep you apprised of other efforts as we are made aware of them. More than anything GLSEN urges you to not engage Phelps and his fellow protestors in any way. Phelps and his family are skilled lawyers and regularly sue counter protesters. Since we believe the students should be our first priority we suggest that folks who wish to stage a public demonstration ignore Phelps and instead rally with signs of support and encouragement for the students.


We also suggest showing our support for the students of East High School by helping them sell out each and every show this weekend. We have a limited number of tickets for all shows, which can be purchased by stopping by our office at 301 S. Bedford Street, Suite 1. Please call ahead during daytime hours to ensure that someone will be available. Our number is 661-4141. You can also stop by today before 6:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Additional tickets can be purchased by contacting the East main office [phone].


Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jason Rasmussen
Executive Director
GLSEN South Central Wisconsin
301 S. Bedford Street, Suite 1
Madison, WI 53703
ph: 608-661-4141