Portland Greets the Westboro Baptist Church at Moda Center

Video and photos from the Kansas hate group's protest (and the much larger counter-protest) on Saturday night.

By Lucas Chemotti

Last week, the Westboro Baptist Church—the small Kansas-based ministry infamous for protesting the funerals of anyone they believe has defied the rule of God, which, to them, seems to be basically everyone—announced its intent to picket outside Moda Center in opposition of the Trail Blazer organization's vocal support of gay marriage. Bad idea. Because if there's anything Portland loves more than its Blazers, it's beating back bigotry with ironic signs. On Saturday, the church made good on its promise to show up at the arena just before tip-off of the team's game against the Orlando Magic, and was immediately met by a much larger counter-protest. The WBC members left after about 20 minutes.

WW intern Lucas Chemotti was there, and captured the following photos and video.

WWeek 2015

Lucas Chemotti

Lucas Chemotti

Lucas Chemotti is a writer and video reporter. It’s okay to hate him for being from Southern California. He writes the weekly online fashion column BuyPDX. Follow him on social media @lucaschemotti.

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