Westboro Baptist Church was met with a counter-demonstration outside Fresno High School

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A counter-demonstration took place Monday at Roosevelt High School in southeast Fresno in response to a planned protest there by the Westboro Baptist Church.

The church has been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and is known for its anti-gay beliefs.

Balloons in all the colors of the rainbow lined the fence of Roosevelt High, even though the reason they were there wasn’t supposed to be a party.

Weeks ago, Westboro Baptist Church announced plans to protest in front of the school over the LGBTQ+-friendly clubs on campus.

“We decided we wanted to send a message that hate is not welcome here in Fresno. We find what they stand for and the message they are trying to convey to the youth of our city unacceptable,” said Jason Scott of LGBTQ Fresno.

More than a hundred people showed up at the corner of Tulare and Cedar to stand against the hate.

When some demonstrators did arrive, the many rainbow umbrellas were used to block the messages.

“When I found out, I was like, ‘What?’ And when you see them come out and show so much hatred towards people, that’s just not it,” said student Jolie Monson.

Religious leaders and people of all backgrounds and ages gathered to show their support for the LGBTQ+ residents targeted by the hate group.

“I don’t think they represent our community, and I don’t think they represent the religious community in general,” Scott said.

The few protesters only stayed long enough to share their message, which ultimately only lasted a few minutes.

Counter-demonstration organizers say it was long enough to show the group they were outnumbered.

Fresno Police also had an increased presence in the area during the demonstration, ensuring everyone stayed safe.

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