LGBTQ counterprotesters far outnumber Westboro Baptist Church in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Members of the Westboro Baptist Church protested outside the State Capitol on Thursday morning while the Let Them Grow Act was being debated in the chamber.

But they were outnumbered by about a 10-1 ratio by members of the LGBTQ community, who occupied the sidewalk across the street.

The bill, which advanced 33-16, would ban minors from receiving gender-affirming health care.

There were about seven members from the church but dozens of LGBTQ community members.

“It felt really good because I know that we are stronger than the hate we receive,” Anna Nesmith said. “And it’s very telling that we have so many numbers and that they don’t because we are stronger together.”

Another counterprotester said the turnout speaks to the diversity of the city.

“It really speaks to the fact that you know, as a city, we’re able to come together here and tell, you know, people from Kansas that want to come up and start trouble: ‘This is our streets, not theirs,'” Ben Anderson said.

The Westboro Baptist Church left after about 45 minutes of protesting.

The LGBTQ community stayed well after to continue to protest the bill.