Love won in Orlando on Saturday as the chants of a handful anti-LGBT protesters were drowned out by a much larger crowd singing ‘Amazing Grace.’
Surreal: one side sings 'amazing grace' as protesters chant against them while #orlandoshooting funeral next door pic.twitter.com/UGaPSZLEOp
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) June 18, 2016
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, well-known for its hatred toward the LGBT community, set up a protest one block from a funeral for Christopher Leonin, 32, who was killed last Sunday at Pulse nightclub.
The extremist church’s messages included “God is not mocked” and “God hates fag enablers.”
According to an estimate by CTV’s Richard Madan, more than 1,000 people showed up to counter the church’s tiny protest.
Showdown: 1000+ #LGBT supporters prepare for Westboro Baptist Church, who will protest #OrlandoShooting funeral pic.twitter.com/TPEqasHnlZ
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) June 18, 2016
Some held American flags. Others held up rainbow-covered placards with messages like “Love Wins,” “Love > hate,” and “Orlando Strong.”
One man’s handmade sign said “WBC you’ve never actually READ the Bible.”
A group of bikers were among those who showed up to stand against the religious extremists.
Biker gang joins #LGBT march against Westboro Baptist Chruch #OrlandoShooting pic.twitter.com/MrHdb1UZ4r
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) June 18, 2016
Members of a local theatre troupe showed up wearing “angel wings,” which they used to block the protesters from view.
Now, people wearing 'angel wings' take their place to block the view of Westboro Church protesters #OrlandoShooting pic.twitter.com/U7axVnYpSh
— Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) June 18, 2016
Orlando Police had warned the public of the protest and promised to “ensure the safety of everyone at the funeral services and vigils in our city.”
OPD will ensure the safety of everyone at funeral services and vigils in our city. We stand with you. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/OV1ptXwZVJ
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 18, 2016
Shortly after noon, the police said on Twitter that protesters had “left the state” and thanked those who “met the protest with grace and love.”
Westboro protesters have left the state & no plans to return. Thank you to those who met protest with grace & love. pic.twitter.com/PZJ9F9MB9S
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 18, 2016
With a report from CTV’s Richard Madan in Orlando