Gay Today: World

Topeka Anti-Hate Group
Opposes Rev. Fred Phelps

Compiled By GayToday

Topeka, Kansas-A new anti-hate group has been formed here calling itself Unity Boulevard. Reverend Fred Phelps' 'God Hates Fags' movement is presently among its principal concerns.

Unity Boulevard's message to the Rev. Fred Phelps

"The good news", a Topekan told<b><i> GayToday,</b></i> "is that Unity Boulevard conducts protests in those places where Phelps' Baptist congregation spreads its hate."

As evidenced by a large balloon addressed to "Fred" and created by the group, Unity Boulevard counters hate with easy-going humor.

Unity Boulevard promises to peacefully counter hate "wherever it presents itself in a lawful but vigorous manner." It members say that "ultimately, through the bolstering and continued support of the community, we hope to put an end to this inappropriate display of hate while not impinging on our guaranteed rights."

Born in the wake of the events on September 11, Unity Boulevard members noted that religious fanatics in any locale can be infected by "the same uncompromising hatred, the same distortion of religion toward a malicious end."

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Explaining their organization's mission, its members say: "We see that the crimes of slander, incitement, endangerment, creating a public nuisance, and harassment have been and are being committed. We also see that individuals with a hatred this deep to not relent but rather increase their abuse when they are 'tolerated'."

Unity Boulevard does not endorse "any particular special interest groups," since, it says, "we are devoted strictly to uniting all Topekans against hate. Any group or individual is welcomed and encouraged to contribute toward our cause."