Today the Secular Student Alliance at UNLV, teaming with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, pulled off a successful counter-protest to the Westboro Baptist Church. Despite a few potential glitches – not the least of which being the WBC was at a different location near campus than everyone was told they’d be – the SSA at UNLV managed to raise about $530 for the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (donated in Westboro Baptist Church’s name!), and counter-protesters marshaled over 100 strong, set across from six members of WBC.
Opposite signs such as “God Hates Fags,” and “Soldiers Die 4 Fag Rights,” counter-protesters from the SSA at UNLV, Las Vegas Atheists, Spectrum (UNLV’s LGBT group), and even campus Christian groups – not to mention non-student members of the community – set aside their differences and denounced WBC’s message of religious hatred. From signs saying “YOUR god is an Asshole,” to “Jesus, Save Me From Your Followers,” to “LOVE is Greater Than Hate,” the one message apparent was that WBC’s bigotry would not be tolerated.
Even the local media, not known for their positive portrayal of non-religious groups and individuals, praised the SSA at UNLV and the MRFF for “standing up to Westboro Baptist Church” (Las Vegas Fox 5’s evening broadcast). The Las Vegas Review Journal, Examiner.com, UNLV’s Rebel Yell, and Vegas TV all also showcased the victories of local and national fights for religious freedom.
All in all, WBC’s protest lasted only 40 minutes, but managed to give more positive publicity for the SSA at UNLV, MRFF, and in general the fight for religious freedom than any group could hope to accomplish in weeks of effort. Thanks to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation for being so supportive of our actions, thanks to the local media for so thoroughly covering the event, thanks to all students and SSA at UNLV members who came out to protest, and most especially thanks to Westboro Baptist Church for bringing us all together.
Drew Pruitt
Public Events Officer
Secular Student Alliance at UNLV
702.449.9284
drewpruitt@gmail.com
