This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Small Town Residents Fend Off Westboro Baptist Church Bigots
Photo by SnapShot Boy via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Residents of Yucaipa, a small town just east of San Bernardino, recently banded together to fend off the asshats that call themselves the Westboro Baptist Church, according to NBC Los Angeles.
A group of locals caught wind of the fact that church members, who are known for holding signs at military funerals that read "God Hates America" and "God Hates Fags," were planning to picket services for 20-year-old Yucaipa resident Pfc. Nathan Tyler Davis. Davis died when a roadside bomb went off near where he was stationed in Afghanistan.
According to a press release from the church's website, "Military funerals have become pagan orgies of idolatrous blasphemy...soldiers are dying for the homosexual and other sins of America."
When neighbors found out what Westboro was planning, though, they rallied together. Assemblyman Paul Cook issued a press released calling on citizens to "show [Davis'] family the best of Yucaipa by supporting his sacrifice and commitment to our freedom." Hosts of local radio show "Stu, Tiffany and Jimbo" on KCAL-96.7 also encouraged their listeners to take part in protesting the church's planned picket.
In the end, the church members never showed up. Whether they stood down in the face of reason and sanity, we may never know. But we do know that this was a shining moment in the history of Yucaipa.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
