The infamous organization was protesting a high school senior for being openly gay
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The John Burroughs School in Missouri became a physical representation of different ideologies when counter-protestors met the Westboro Baptist Church protest of Jake Bain.
Who is Jake Bain and why has he garnered such national attention?
Jake Bain is a high school senior and star running back for his school’s football team. He is planning to play for Indiana State University in the fall when he graduates. He is also openly gay.
His sexuality has caused the Westboro Baptist Church to place three dozen people with protest signs outside the school. In a press release, the organization called Jake a “smirking, proud, *** child.” They have claimed that it is against the will of God to be openly gay and that the school and American society at large should not be supporting him.
About 100 people came out to #StandWithJake this morning outside John Burroughs School for @Jakebain10 to counter the Westboro anti-gay hate protest. (My pics) pic.twitter.com/paz8LMd3Hg
— Rebecca Rivas (@Rebeccarivas) March 12, 2018
The fringe group is known for their extreme public protests. They have protested burials of American veterans killed overseas as proof that God is angry with America for gay marriage.
Jake subsequently thanked all the support he received from groups. The hashtag #StandwithJake became trending as people were counter-protesting, with thousands of mentions on social media. People have claimed that the counter-protesting is a victory for LGBT rights.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart to all who came to support the LGBTQ+ community at Burroughs this morning. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -MLK. Thank you all for shining your lights today.
— Jake Bain (@Jakebain10) March 12, 2018