Anti-Gay Church Outnumbered In Meade High Protest

Hundreds show up to call for tolerance, schools divert buses to hide demonstration from students

When Michael Cox learned that a controversial anti-gay church infamous for protesting the funerals of soldiers killed in combat was staging a demonstration at his high school it felt like a double insult.

The Meade High School senior is the son of an active duty serviceman with more than two decades in the military. And the 18-year-old is openly gay.

"My first reaction was I didn't believe it was happening," he said. "Then I got excited because I knew I'd be able to come out and protest with all of these people and show how much love Fort Meade has for its citizens."

Cox was one of several hundred people who turned out this morning near Fort George G. Meade to counter the message of six members of Westboro Baptist Church.

The counter protestors, including a number of men dressed as Jesus, carried signs relaying the Christian icon's message of love and waving American flags.

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