Posted: 5/30/03
Gay-right protestors target SBC again
By Bob Allen
EthicsDaily.com
For the fourth consecutive year, homosexual-rights activists are organizing a presence at the Southern Baptist Convention to protest anti-homosexuality rhetoric by the convention.
This year's demonstration will contrast with a strong push promoting traditional families at the SBC annual meeting, scheduled June 17-18 in Phoenix. A Kingdom Family Rally on the eve of the convention will set the stage for introduction of a new SBC standard for Christian families, described as the “Seven Pillars of a Kingdom Family.”
Mel White, executive director of Soulforce, a religious organization that supports gay rights, wrote SBC President Jack Graham May 7 requesting a meeting.
Graham's predecessor as SBC president, James Merritt, rebuffed similar requests to meet with White the last two years, prompting Soulforce to escalate protests at last year's SBC annual meeting in St. Louis. A dozen Soulforce protestors were arrested inside the convention hall while attempting to disrupt the meeting. Another 38 were arrested for trespassing.
In his letter to Graham, White implied similar action this year.
Gay-rights protests have become a staple at the SBC annual meeting since Soulforce sponsored its first demonstration at the 2000 gathering in Orlando, Fla. Soulforce protestors claim Southern Baptist attitudes against homosexuality contribute to discrimination and violence against gays.
Soulforce's presence has prompted counter-demonstrations from Fred Phelps, an independent Baptist pastor from Topeka, Kan., known for his inflammatory message, “God Hates Fags,” displayed on placards and a website.
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