SOURCE: WMUR

Anti-Gay Group Outnumbered By Counter-Protesters
3 Members Of Group Raise Signs Outside Concord High School

POSTED: 12:14 pm EST January 4, 2010

CONCORD, N.H. -- Members of a Kansas group advocating hatred of gays were far outnumbered by counter-protesters outside Concord High School on Monday.

The group the Westboro Baptist Church had planned a demonstration against New Hampshire's new same-sex marriage law. Only three members of the group appeared outside Concord High School, where they were met by students, staff and members of the community.

Because of the group's strong views and inflammatory rhetoric, police were present, but at the high school it remained a war of words and signs, much to the relief of the principal, who said he feared some sort of verbal confrontation.

"The awkward part is that this was planned for the first day back, so there was no real opportunity to the kids beforehand," said Principal Gene Connolly.

After the high school event, the group members moved to Concord City Hall, where marriage licenses are issued. One member admitted their tactics aren't likely to convert people to their way of thinking, but he said that's not their goal.

"It's to warn all of these people back here to repent or they will perish," said group member Charles Hockenbarger.

Outside the residence of New Hampshire's openly gay Episcopal bishop, police had to turn back a person armed with a squirt gun and another person got too close to one of the group members. But overall, it remained peaceful, and those who lined the sidewalks said they believe a strong message was sent back to Kansas.

"This is a wonderful countermeasure," said the Rev. Peter Hey of Wesley United Methodist Church. "I think it's really important for people of good will to stand up and say what we believe, so my heart is very warmed."

After protesting outside the bishop's residence, the members of the group said they were heading home.