14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, OwensboroOwensboro churches targeted for anti-gay protest

Owensboro churches targeted for anti-gay protest

By Dave Kirk - bio | email
Posted by Adam Thiele - email

OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) - Police have alerted three Owensboro churches that they may be the targets of anti-gay protestors Sunday.

The group Westboro, won a free speech ruling in the U.S. Supreme Court this week.

Owensboro Christian Church Pastor Rick Grover got the call two weeks ago.

"Was contacted by the police department and they just shared with us what was going to be transpiring this coming Sunday, Grover says.

"A group is coming out and they are going to assemble at some area churches during church service time frames," OPD Officer Marian Cosgrove says.

Anytime a group wants to protest, police say rules must be followed.

"They know what the rules are. You know what is private property and what is not. Lets us know what they're going to do so we can better inform the public so that everybody is treated equally," Officer Cosgrove says.

Grover wants this protest to be as peaceful as possible.

"We want this to be the least recognized event that they have ever had," Grover says.

To ensure the peace, Grover let OCC's entire congregation know how to handle the situation.

"I sent an e-mail to the congregation just letting them know what is transpiring so that the people would be aware. Not to engage them because this is what they want. If you see them to go to the other entrance, come in another way. We don't want to give them a platform with a message that they're sharing which is a message of hate," Grover says.

Police say they don't anticipate any problems with the protest, but they will be on hand.

"We are going to make periodic checks. We do have additional officers if needed. It's our job to protect not only the groups that come into town and want to voice their amendment rights but also the citizens," Officer Cosgrove says.

"We're grateful for the police. They have indicated how they'll be here to provide support," Grover says.

Police tell 14 News the reason Owensboro Christian Church and Bellevue Baptist Church are being targeted is because of their large congregations.

Police say Blessed Mother is being targeted because of the suicide there about a month ago.

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