More than two dozen counter-protestors showed up outside the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, April 17, to voice their views of the Westboro Baptist Church. The Kansas church, known for its anti-gay signs and penchant for protesting at the funerals of American soldiers, had only about six protesters on hand outside of the Bon Jovi concert—and most of their messages were drowned out by the chanting of local LGBT-rights activists.
Westboro members held familiar signs pronouncing anti-homosexual and anti-Semitic sentiments and generally warned that America’s end is near. Across the street, the counter protestors held their own signs, some attacking church leader Shirley Phelps-Roper and others advocating tolerance.
Among the protestors was local strip club owner and LGBT rights advocate Joe Redner.
