Students fight Westboro Baptist Church haters with $40,000 for gay charity

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/students-fight-westboro-baptist-church-haters-40000-gay-charity130213

Students from Vassar College in New York have pledged $100 for every minute the Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest on campus

 

American students have raised over $40,000 (£26,000, €30,000) in counter-protest against gay hate picketers from Westboro Baptist Church.

Students from Vassar College in New York have responded to the church's plans to protest at the pro-LGBT university earlier this month by pledging $100 for every minute the church will be there.

Known for their 'God Hates Fags' signs, the church is well known for picketing pro-gay groups and soldiers' funerals.

Originally students planned to raise up to $4,500 but today (13 February), after word of the fundraising counter-protest spread on social media sites, the total pledge now sits at $40,544.

Money raised will go towards the Trevor Project, an American group which provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention to LGBT youths.

Acting president of the college Jon Chenette posted a message of support on the college's website.

He said: 'In the face of Westboro's statements, we want to celebrate the inclusiveness of our community and the multitude of backgrounds, interests, and preferences that enrich our experiences.'

Meanwhile, similar messages of support have poured in on the Vassar Facebook page.

One comment read: 'I am so proud to be an alumna of a school that stands for people, for diversity, for compassion, and against hate. Thank you for continuing to lead the way.'

Another said: 'Bravo. It's moments like this that make Vassar the great school that it is.'

Last week, GSN reported how two key members of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church left the group and apologized for their past.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/students-fight-westboro-baptist-church-haters-40000-gay-charity130213