Topeka Citizens Rally Against Hate June 15

Gage Park at 12 Noon

[TOPEKA, KS] - Although Kansas is known as the heartland and the geographical center of the United States, this capital city of 125,000 is also known as the epicenter of hate, according to some organizations known for their watchful eye of organized hate groups.

On an almost daily basis for nearly 11 years, Rev. Fred Phelps and his family have waged a campaign of hatred targeted against homosexuals and others. Phelps, 72, sends members of the Westboro Baptist Church, including his own infant grandchildren, to picket other churches, businesses, schools
and numerous public venues, not only around Topeka, but throughout the country.

The church, which is listed as a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, also campaigns against Jews, blacks and mainstream Christians. Phelps hailed last year's attack on the World Trade Center as a sign of God's retribution.

A Rally Against Hate, scheduled for June 15, is gaining widespread support. Organized by the Kansas Unity & Pride Alliance, a number of prominent organizations supporting individual human and civil rights have signed on to support the event. It is scheduled for 12 noon at the Gage Park Amphitheater, according to Richard Donner, PhD, chair of the rally.

Donner said organizations joining in supporting the event include Concerned Citizens for Topeka, Unity Boulevard, Topeka Community Foundation's Murka Fund, Topeka Center for Peace & Justice, PFLAG of Lawrence-Topeka, Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, Project Equal, Topeka AIDS Project and the Unity Coalition.

Recently, a national organization lent its support of the event - the Washington, DC, based Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Of particular significance is the fact the rally is being held in Topeka's famous Gage Park. It became the epicenter of hate in minds of many because it is the place Phelps began his campaign of hatred.

Donner said there will be presentations by prominent citizens at the rally.

The rally has become a warm-up for an organized effort to strengthen the city's human relations commission and anti-discrimination ordinance.

Organizers expect many other organizations and individuals to join in support of the rally in the coming weeks. For information or to join in supporting the event, individuals or organizations may contact Rally organizers at .