Virulently anti-LGBT protest group Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket outside Mazzoni Center later this month — and the community is mobilizing to counter-protest.
WBC, known for picketing funerals and other gatherings carrying signs reading “God Hates Fags,” posted a notice on its website that it would picket at the local LGBT health facility from 2:15-2:45 p.m. July 26. In its announcement, WBC appeared to say it was motivated by Mazzoni’s support for trans individuals, referencing the recent Trans-Health Conference, a program of Mazzoni Center.
In a statement on social media, Mazzoni Center said it was making preparations for the picket.
“We are taking all steps necessary to ensure that our patients and staff have safe access to the building that afternoon, in order to receive care and services,” the statement read. “While we respect the right to free speech, we will also do everything necessary to support and protect our communities and the people we serve, and to stand up for justice.”
That effort is being helped by a community counter-protest, titled “Great Wall of Love.” Described as a peaceful blockade to shield patients of Mazzoni Center from WBC, the Facebook event has generated interest from more than 1,000 people. For more information, see http://ow.ly/7XgY302cDtd.
Another counter-protest being organized on Facebook also has drawn nearly 1,000 supporters. For information on that event, see http://ow.ly/yGwz302cDQP.