Orlando Shakespeare Theater Builds 'Angel Wings' To Guard Pulse Funerals From Westboro Baptist Church

Topeka, Kansas' Westboro Baptist Church, known for promoting hate speech against LGBT people, Jews, Muslims and anyone else who does not fit into their narrow perception of religious values, has publicized on Twitter their intention to stage protests in Orlando, Florida at locations where funerals will be held for the victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub.

The church's members are known for standing outside funerals of those they consider to be enemies of God, delivering hate speech with signs and chants.

American Theatre reports that Orlando's theatre community is preparing for their disruption with a non-violent counter-protest.

The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, has organized the "Angel Wing Project," building angel costumes with wide wings so that groups can block mourners from having to see the Westboro protesters.

The same strategy was used in 1999 by Romaine Patterson, when the Westboro Baptist Church picketed the trials for the killers of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. The brutal murder of the 21-year-old student brought national attention to the issue of violent hate crimes against homosexuals.

The case was the subject of Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project's play, THE LARAMIE PROJECT.

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