Controversial Westboro Baptist Church Says it Will Picket Samohi

Westboro Baptist Church, a fundamentalist anti-gay group known for protesting military funerals, plans to picket at Santa Monica High School later this month, according to its website.

The picket is planned for 7 a.m. Feb. 25.

On its website, Westboro says it will tell Santa Monica High students "the Gospel truth," that "every adult in their lives has taught them that they can disobey God... that it is OK to be gay."

The group regularly plans protests and often fails to show up. When the demonstrations are held, they typically draw counter-protests.

"When they protest… it brings out other people that are angry," said Santa Monica Police spokesman Sgt. Richard Lewis.

Lewis said the police had been notified about the picket and will send officers to "make sure that all laws are enforced on both sides."

The high school's Gay-Straight Alliance said it is contemplating what response would best represent the club and students.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District superintendent and the Santa Monica High School principal did not return messages.

The Kansas-based group is also planning several to picket at several Malibu churches and at the Academy Awards "to remind this nation that they need to worship the one true God instead of these vain movie stars" and "Hollywood freaks."

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