SAN ANTONIO - Members of a controversial Kansas church came to San Antonio Saturday to protest against gays and the military. Westboro Baptist Church, which is not affiliated with other Baptist groups, has gained notoriety for its anti-gay views and for picketing at military funerals.
At Fort Sam Houston on Saturday that group was met by counter-protesters supporting the military. Supporters of the military knew they couldn't prevent that Kansas religious group from holding their protest. Instead they were hoping to drown them out with their own message.
They call themselves simply Americans. They are banned together by their love of country, the military and equal freedom for all.
Angela Weddle, who was among the group of counter-protestors, said “They need to be drowned out, they need a message that hate doesn't win”.
Both groups stood outside the entrance of Fort Sam Houston holding signs.
Rita Odom, a member of the counter- protestors said, “They have the freedom to protest because of the military and because so many people have died for them”.
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church made their sentiments known since early this morning as they spent time at Fort Hood in Killeen before traveling to San Antonio.
An unidentified member of the Westboro Baptist Church said, “We don’t' draw back because of this mob. God almighty has jurisdiction even in Ft. Hood”.
While Westboro protestors boldly held up signs they didn't say much and then they left quietly.
“I think we definitely won, I think it shows our support for our nation and if they don't want to be here if they want to say God hates the troops and thank God for dead soldiers, then leave,” said Rita Odom.
Military personnel were made aware of the protest in advance and they were asked by their military commanders to refrain from approaching, speaking to, or confronting the protestors.
