Westboro Church Comes to Woodbridge...And Then Goes

Westboro Baptist Church protested this morning at the corner of Mohican and Old Bridge roads in Woodbridge, but their message was dwarfed by a large crowd of counter-protestors.

Five church members -- including the leader Fred Phelps' daughter, Shirley Phelps-Roper – appeared at 7 a.m.  brandishing their now-controversial signs that read "You Eat Your Children" and "God Hates Fags."

But, the prevailing message from the opposite side of Old Bridge Road was just that – the opposite. Signs and placards proclaiming love, peace and tolerance were commonplace on the Old Bridge Elementary and Woodbridge Senior High School side of Old Bridge Road. Counter-protesters camped out at the corner of Mohican and Old Bridge Roads as early at 6:30 a.m., as Prince William County Police also prepared for the morning's influx of traffic and protesters. What began with a handful of counter-protesters grew to a mass that stretched halfway down the sidewalk between the two schools.

Paul Chmielewski, of Manassas, said he wrote a letter concerning the protest. Part of the letter read, "We stand not only beside the GBLT community, but all victims of bullying." Chimelewski said that a week ago at a charity benefit people were friendly to a friend of his only until they found out he was gay. "We are here for community and support of all," said Chimelewski. "I'm not going to stay aside anymore if it is this close to my own home."

"I love the energy, it's so happy," said co-organizer of the "Stand Up Against Westboro Baptist Church" counter-protester Rachel Goad.

Shirley Couteau of the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association said that the WBC church members would only have one corner to protest on, as the other was strictly LRPRA private property and the church did not ask the organization's permission.

Class of 1999 Woodbridge Senior High School alumnus Ariana Ortega and Ann Levy held a sign that showed support from their graduating class for the gay community. "I'm here for my high school and because these people are morons," said Ortega, referencing the Westboro Baptist Church. Ortega was one of many counter-protesters that came armed with a sign. "I think it is important to stand up for our community," said Levy.

While the WBC members that showed up were singing throughout their half-hour protest, they could not be heard over the morning rush hour traffic, the honks from cars supporting the counter-protesters or the cheers that followed the honking.

Kiana Mitchell, Anthony Adams and Diane Espinoza said that they were told any student that was outside the building at 7:30 a.m. would be written up with a referral for disciplinary action. "I'm here to support what I believe in," said Espinoza. "God loves everyone." All three agreed that their counter-protest was more important. "I'm here to support gay rights," said Mitchell. "This is way more important."

Another resident asked, "Isn't it a shame that it will cost Prince William County so much money for this." 

At 7:15 a.m., halfway through the protest, the crowd swelled to about 200 counter-protesters as they lined Old Bridge Road with signs, flags and peaceful songs. The counter-protest remained peaceful, well mannered and contained throughout the morning. After packing up their van, the Westboro Baptist Church members headed off to their second Woodbridge protest, which was supposed to be held at the Coast Guard Recruiting office. But, at 8:10 a.m. this morning, the office was closed for the day and not a single protester was in sight.

Apparently, the group moved their protest to a more visible location by Boston Market off of Prince William Parkway and Smoketown Road. The church subsequently left the area and has moved on to another protest in Maryland.