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Pictures: Capital counter protests WBC with message of love and peace

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Westboro Baptist Church chose to protest in the Capital city today, blocks from the Capitol building, saying that Gov. Jay Nixon is “evil” and “going to hell” for his attempts during his tenure as attorney general to restrict the group. But the church turned out only 6 members, including Shirley Phelps-Roper – the daughter of the infamous Fred Phelps.

Jefferson Citians turned out at least four times as many counter protesters with the vast majority holding signs advocating for peace and love. Counter protesters were stationed at the Capitol adjacent from Westboro Baptist Church members.

The counter protesters – including veterans and children – stationed at the Capitol said they were there to protest the church’s hate, but they expected WBC to change their location. WBC was found a couple blocks away 15 minutes before their website’s schedule had indicated they would be present.

The church blasted music – mostly popular songs with rewritten lyrics, including renditions of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” Billy Joel’s “Shameless,” and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” at the corner of 50 Highway and Broadway, just south of the Supreme Court building. The music was drowned out by travelers who honked in response to a large “Honk 4 Peace” sign.

A young man — who identified himself as agnostic — in a Guy Fawkes mask said that he was out “protesting the intolerance of these people.” His friend — identified as Christian — helped him hold the large sign which said “Honk 4 [Peace Sign]” yelled messages of love, such as “God is love” while wearing a clown costume. Those who wear Guy Fawkes masks often identify with the Anonymous group; a couple were present today.

Another young counter protester said that after seeing an upset community on social media, she decided to organize a group to come out and show that there is another message out there.

“Our group’s message is that no one deserves violence and no one deserves hatred. That hatred that this group has brought into our community is not what this community stands for,” the organizer with about 10-15 surrounding her said. Her group stood on the opposite median of the intersection.

A couple church members sang loudly along with the music, which had lyrics such as “God has a grenade for you.” Phelps-Roper was available for questions just outside of the speaker’s loudness and said the demonstration was focused on Gov. Nixon and the “confusion” he caused.

“Jay Nixon set this stage when he sent a letter to law enforcement across the state directing them to violate the rights of the Westboro Baptist Church to keep the word of God out of your state,” Phelps-Roper said when asked why they were here. “He started this train, he put it on the track and now you’re reaping what you sow. Now he’s the governor, he was the attorney general when he did that mischief.”

She went on to say that his actions as attorney general brought on the protests in Ferguson, calling it “confusion” by “violent protesters” and then some.

None of the counter protesters mentioned Nixon’s actions as attorney general and when asked, said they were not protesting Nixon or any of his actions, but simply the WBC.

“You’ve got confusion all over this state and it started with your chief executive and it trickles down to the very last dog catcher in the smallest town,” Phelps-Roper continued.

The Missouri Times confirmed with the Missouri Municipal League that Missouri has no cities with official dogcatchers, though many municipalities do have animal control.

“We know what Missouri is famous for – bestiality and stomping on the servants of God,” Phelps-Roper said.

When asked what Kansas was famous for, she said, “Same thing, I don’t know about the bestiality, but I know Missouri is famous. The face of this country is now filthy f*g marriage and this nation is pimping it all over the world.”

“This nation is full of proud sin, that’s what I know about you, you’re not holding a picket sign,” Phelps-Roper said, after informing The Missouri Times’ reporter on the scene that they were going to hell.

“The only relevant thing is what will happen to you when the Lord Jesus Christ comes through those clouds,” she said.

The group said they were going to protest at Lincoln University and Jefferson City High School after leaving the intersection near the Capitol.

The governor is not currently in Jefferson City to see the demonstration.

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