Gay Rights Activist Buys House Across From Westboro Baptist Church, Paints It to Look Like a Giant Rainbow
It’s the Westboro Baptist Church’s worst nightmare: A home-turned-gay rights center located right across the street from the controversial Topeka, Kan., house of worship. Recently, this intriguing scenario became a reality.
In addition to its mere presence, the building’s aesthetics are also likely to create a stir among Westboro faithful, as the house’s siding has been intentionally painted to resemble a rainbow — a symbol that has been synonymous with the gay rights movement for decades.
The home, located opposite the church, has become 31-year-old Aaron Jackson’s newest project, Gawker reports. The young do-gooder has transformed into a center intended to target the anti-gay sentiment that so often comes from Westboro’s congregants.
Jackson, founder of Planting Peace, helps fund orphanages abroad and engages in other charitable activities. Now, gay rights is his newest cause.

The “Equality House” (Credit: Gawker)
Here’s how the outlet describes Jackson’s decision to purchase the property.
Jackson was drawn to Topeka after reading about Josef Miles, the local boy who last year, at the age of nine, photobombed one of the Westboro protests with a handmade sign that read “God Hates No One.” Jackson had been looking for a way to support equality, anti-bullying programs, and some sort of pro-LGBT initiative, he said. [...]
So while considering the Westboro Baptist Church, he began dinking around on Google Maps late one night. He pulled up the church, at 3701 SW 12th St. in Topeka, and took a virtual walk around the block. In the front yard of a house across the street, he noticed a For Sale sign.
While the home he saw on Google was inevitably sold by the time he inquired, there was another property just two doors down. So, Jackson decided to buy the house and paint it to resemble the rainbow flag, something he knew would draw the ire of Westboro’s leaders and members, alike.
The home was $81,000, a large sum to pay to make a simple point, but he was determined. The Daily Mail notes that Jackson isn’t planning to live in the house, however he is hopeful that it can become a center for gay rights.
In addition to the intriguing paint job, he also plans to fly a massive rainbow flag on a 30-foot pole outside the home. He’s calling the center the “Equality House.”
Westboro’s Shirley Phelps-Roper, daughter of founder Fred Phelps, has already responded to the home’s presence. WDAF-TV reports that she’s taking a light-handed approach and quipping that she “loves it.”
“I love it,” she said of the structure. “What he does is he keeps the eyes of the whole earth on this message. Now everyday all people are thinking about is God will not have same sex marriage.”
As for Jackson, his intentions are clear, as his new project is intended to keep all eyes on his fascinating response to Westboro, while apparently also bringing the fight for gay rights to the church’s front door.
“The view is what I bought the home for,” he told Gawker.
Read more about this story here.
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Comments (140)
vaman
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:05amTo the great disgust of blazers, this is fantastic. It’s a genius idea, which will have the westboro christian cult in a state of disgust. I’m sure they’ll sue or pray or something, but I am going to donate money to this charity for all of their good works.
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Jim S
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:15amI have little respect for most gay activists and a great deal less for the cretins at Westboro…but this is pretty good…put his money where his mouth is…so to speak..good for him…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqiiY_Pam8
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Not Quite
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:24amI don’t care if the dude is gay, but please don’t make your house an eye sore. Normally not a fan of HOA interference, but I’m so glad my HOA has restrictions on external colors. This guy just dropped the surrounding property value by 25K.
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HarryPotter
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:51amNot quite:
1: I don’t think the new owner is gay. He just supports gay rights.
2: He bought the house for $81k. Clearly property values weren’t that great to begin with. The new coat of paint likely increased the value by itself.
3: The neighbors are the Westboro Baptist Church, so no one else would move there anyway.
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Hugh Akston II
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:29pmLove it.
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Zipit
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:56pmAs usuall VAMAN, you have made an ass out of yourself by assuming!!!
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Secret Squirrel
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:05pmHey, it’s a free country.
I’m glad (no pun intended) that I don’t live in that neighborhood though.
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JRook
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:10pmOutstanding Move. Exactly what this pompous, self indulging group of “true believers” deserve. Their displays at military and victims of mass shooting funerals is nothing less than an act of religious terrorism. If we are lucky they will be upset enough to move ….. perhaps to a third world country where the people will be stupid enough to accept their divine preaching.
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circleDwagons
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:13pmNot Quite. Maybe the whole street can be sold to queers. Every house could be a different color.
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K Chad Roberts
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 3:08pmI like the idea… but a few things to respond to.
First off, the surrounding house values are already terrible… as made obvious by the news cast, and by the very fact that the church is located there.
The newscast said that he hired professional painters, and yet they screwed up the color scale near the green-blue area. Not impressed…
Lastly, I’m somewhat surprised at the churches response. It was a fairly tactful “whatever” response.
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RabidPatriot
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 3:34pmGay rights activists are almost as crazy as the Westboro cult. Maybe they will stand across the street from each other, the cult with terrible signs, the activists throwing glitter on everybody. The only people that loose is the poor neighbors. It will be a competition to show who is crazier. Christians and non-activist gays are both screaming that these idiots don’t represent them.
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Secret Squirrel
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 5:38pmWestboro:, “There goes the neighborhood.”
Gays:, “There goes the neighborhood.”
Neighbors, “THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD!”
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loriann12
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 5:57pmI don’t care if he is g@y, that guy has some b@!!$
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Vision Harry
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 7:41pmSorry D-Bag,(Vaman) This is just more concrete evidence that the unfettered principles of Capitalism, will solve most problems in a truly free society!
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rushvillerocket
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 2:50amI do not condone the lifestyle of gays because I believe it is against nature, but this is absolutely hilarious! Because the Westboro Church is abhorrent and shouldn’t even be called a church because even as Christians, we love the sinner, not the sin.
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ltb
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 9:55amFor the 10 thousandth time, Westboro is not a Baptist Church. It is a group made up primarily, if not exclusively, of family members with no ties whatsoever to any Baptist organization and who do not know the first thing about what it means to be a Christian. PLEASE STOP CALLING THEM A BAPTIST CHURCH. Thank you.
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jollyholly12
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 4:09pmVery funny! Now they need some great yard decorations. I vote for unicorns that blow bubbles out their butts. Maybe the members of the church can stop harassing people at funerals and just go down the block to protest.
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Proverbs17-12NLT
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 9:48pmYou have the right to shove your pen!s into another mans bu!!hole, gay rights
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dezldummi
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:03amcould be a hazard….. astroglide seeping down the sidewalk into the street…..
astroglide…… seeping……. just saying…
teddyc73
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:57amI wouldn’t be happy if I were living on either side of this house. The property values probably just took a nose dive. Not only would I be angry living next to a rainbow colored house but the idea of gay rights center next door would be intolerable. I would be checking with the town zoning officer right away.
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Zipit
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:14amWell Teddy, if the antagonism plan falls short, this guy can alway’s apply for re zoning, and become the local Sherwin Williams wholesaler!
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HarryPotter
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:52amThis is what would bother you? Not living by the hate group that frequently protests at funerals, says thing like “God loves dead soldiers”, who like to yell at everyone on the street and tell them they are going to Hell, who only seem to turn people away from God and give all Christians a bad name? But no, it’s the rainbow house that would bother you…..
TheArbiter
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:53amhilarious! As if the property values weren’t smacked by having the westboro wackos right on top of them. $81,000! I can’t even get a roach infested condo for that where I live.
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hicksvilleshick
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:00amproperty values are already hit with the church being there as is…
I’m ok with the guy doing it, if nothing else to get at the church, the same way they get at the general population.
I wish people would simply treat others as they would want to be treated, live and let live. Why can’t it be left to the individuals maker to determine if they have lived wrong or right.
Don’t like guns? Fine don’t own one, but don’t tell others they can’t have one.
Don’t like abortions? Fine don’t have one, rather than harass those that do, let their maker deal with them.
Don’t like our country being buried in debt? Quit putting the same idiots in a position to keep it that way.
There is soooo much to disagree with, but disagree with it and carry on. Don’t make your lifes work keeping others from having a choice as to what path they take. If it leads them to hell so be it, if not, good for them.
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zorro
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:01amSo you don’t think the property value was s##t before after being in the same area as Westboro?
All of this is asinine anyway. They’re not looking for “equality” they’re looking for “acceptance.” I agree no one should be bullied or ridiculed for being gay but they have to understand some of us cannot ever call it OK or normal. I’m sure there are some things I do many will tell me is a sin or whatever. I don’t care.
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Proverbs17-12NLT
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:14amCan someone help me understand what “Gay Rights” are?
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Jim S
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:20am..you think living next to Westboro was a good real estate investment?…what color is the sky in your world?..maybe they will sell to the AB and you can feel better…at least you have goals in place…$$$$$$$$$….it’s all about money values,not moral…good for you,honest people are rare these days…you and the guy in the rainbow house have a LOT in common…
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teddyc73
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:21amUm people, property values usually aren’t determined but the actions of those inside the building so being near the Westboro Baptist chruch probably did not impact property values. Yes, they are reprehensible people but if their building is well maintained then living near them is not going to impact my property. Living next to a house like this probably will.
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Kupo
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 1:28pmTeddy, have you ever seen the WBC headquarters? I recently drove through Topeka and decided to check it out for myself and let me assure you that it is every bit the eyesore that this rainbow house is. Every single bit.
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Concern4Constitution
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 3:54pmI’m with HarryPotter on this one. It seems a little hypocritical to claim to be for freedom–except when it comes to what color the OWNER of PRIVATE property wants to paint his house. I hope he throws some stripes and polka dots up while he’s at it…it would still be far prettier to look at than the words on Westboro’s signs.
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mostman
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 1:46amIf you live next to this house, you already also live next to this: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlaA9s9QYFo/Tp9UWs_1UkI/AAAAAAAAAb8/8abfRS19_Qs/s1600/Westboro%2BBaptist%2BChurch.jpg . I think your property values can’t go much lower.
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bertr
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:55amIt doesnt happen often, but i’m glad to see some of the LGBT activist money go to something we can just about all agree on.
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redfish52
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:03amAll this dummy did was bring more attention to the other dummies at WBC.
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TheArbiter
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:54ammore attention to how deranged they are, yes.
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teddyc73
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:55amBecause gay people have corrupted the rainbow as their symbol Rainbow Bright had to change her name out of embarrassment and moved to Maine.
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curmudgeon60
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:19amLOL! Now THAT’S funny! It is sad though that they use God’s promise sign in such a perverse way to ensure their own perverseness.
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Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:29amYou make a valid point. I asked the question of why gay was substituted for queer. They stole a word that mean’t happy and turned it into a polished turd. If we continue on the path we are on, marriage, will be the next stolen word from us. Queer used to be the term but some find that offensive. So using the word in context, I find it queer that they would take a harmless word, gay and try to make it be an OK for homosexual behavior or perversion. We must not allow any “gay marriage”. Civil union is more like it. Not only do they want it, they want it sanctioned by church and god.
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HAWKWIND
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:44amOBAMA SNAKE OIL – I also hate the term “homophobia”. A phobia is an unnatural or illogical FEAR of something. I think we can all agree we’re not AFRAID of homosexuals. I just wish they would go do whatever behind closed doors like everyone else and STFU. But afraid? ‘Fraid not.
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Mustanger
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:31amGay = happy from Gayla = To sing.
Referring to the wind speed making the rigging on a sailboat sing. Gale force winds.
These and other words have been hijacked, and it really tweaks my melon.
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txblaze
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:54amI guess they don’t have home owner associations there.
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dave88
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:52amThey should get along and become friends, after all they are both extremely passionate about something that is wrong.
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InVinoVeritas
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:58amThe new colors on the house are fah-bu-less!
I agree with your two wrongs assessment. Although, at a very basic level, WB has a point about God no blessing a nation that curses Him. I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where God said, “Go into the world and be a douche bag to suffering widows, mothers, and children” though. When Jesus was confronted with people suffering from grief, he wept.
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termyt
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:51amHeh, Great point Dave.
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SilentRunner
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:48amI dislike both the Westboro Baptist “Church” and queers.
I hope someone burns down the house and the church building.
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God_Is_Not
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:09amLet me guess. Everyone who thinks or acts differently than you is wrong and potentially evil? Oh, and they should cede their rights to you as well? And you hope and pray for their destruction? And you’re a constitutionalist?
burnteye86
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:12amI don’t like arsonists either.
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TheArbiter
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:56amsilentrunner is obviously a thrall of satan.
Vision Harry
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 7:50pmHey, Thearbiter, Only the Thrall Of Satan knows what the Thrall of Satan is. What gives?
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huey6367
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:39amMaybe it’s not a gay thing but he really likes Skittles.
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Southerner01
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:51amIf he likes skittles, he might be Obama’s son.
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FlagWavingPatriot
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:39amClowns to the left of me…jokers to the right…here I am, stuck in the middle with you…
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MetalShadowOverlord
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:39amPerfect analogical summery to this article.
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huey6367
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:38amThis is going to end badly.
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some guy
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:37amThis is great!!!
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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:33amI love it! Talk about denning the lion!
Oh I imagine the Westboro group is having kittens right now!
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FISH_BONE
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:32amAfter the rainbow paint job, why not take the next step and turn the chimney into a giant penis?
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huey6367
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:37amDon’t give him ideas
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capitalismrocks
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:45amSee… that is where gays go waaaay too far, they get a bad rap for being disgusting, and immoral because of the ridiculous parades with guys in tighty undies and straddling giant penis floats…
You wanna be gay, be gay, just don’t act like an ass and act disgusting (gay or straight, putting on displays like that is wrong and disgusting) so if gays want to be accepted as “normal” then they need to act normal, this means: lose the lisp, stop acting like a woman when you are a man (and vice versa for lesbians) and just act like a normal person and keep your sexual preference to the privacy of your bedroom…
As far as what this article is about, anything to counter the Westboro jerks is good in my book, even a rainbow painted house.
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Southerner01
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:53amCapitalism, how is that any worse than a pro-abortion protester dressed as a giant ******? Gay’s don’t have a monopoly on stupid, over the top behavior.
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Marine25
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:47pm@capitalismrocks
Edited your commentary a little, hope you don’t mind…
o See… that is where christians go waaaay too far, they get a bad rap for being ignorant, and childish because of the ridiculous fairies that the rest of us gave up when we were three.
You wanna be christian, be christian, just don’t act like an ass and act disgusting (christian or muslim, being obsessed with another guys sex life like that is wrong and disgusting) so if believers want to be accepted as “normal” then they need to act normal, this means: lose the hocus-pocus book, stop acting like a man of knowledge when you are a man of childish rituals and just act like a normal person and keep your dogmatic 7th century morality to the privacy of your place of worship…
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Eastinfection
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:31amis anyone else craving Starburst all of the sudden?
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GMP
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:38amThe Smithfield Barrel Monster is
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:42amEAST, LOL! But, I will leave it to the likes of WANGO and ENCINOM to taste the rainbow.
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Eastinfection
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:45amlol GMP… i think it was on Hillsborough St. in Raleigh when i snapped this pic.
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Locked
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:45am@East
Skittles, actually!
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momrules
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:55amAh East………you made me laugh. Thanks.
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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:26amReporters from theBlaze are wondering, did the Real Estate agent include the warning, “May Be Haunted by the Holy Ghost”?
You have to read the bill, to find out what in it Mrs. Pelosi? What if people can’t read? If members of the Westboro Baptist Church, for entertainment purposes, go out of their way, to make sure they end up on cameras accross the nation, how much fun are they going to have, when they don’t even have to move their cars, they can walk to your house?
Palmface? They don’t even have to tell you what book they are burning in front of your house, they just have to stand there and stare at you? Oh, I see, when you read the story, no one is going to live there, this is just going to be house that is a very low risk to the insurance company, we estimate the replacement costs of this home, and after comparing notes in our trade secret databases you will never be allowed to see, you will pay the insurance companies for a $500,000 policy?
Dental care is the most painful thing, its understandable why Obama Care does not cover that risk? It’s understandable why we need “African American”, “Spanish American”, and “Gender” studies in High School, because if we don’t teach those concepts to skulls full of mush, who don’t have the right to vote, what the Democrat agenda is all about, the Democrat party could not afford to explain it, so lets use the tax system?
Burn the books of these school subjects?
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fulcrum
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:34amThis is one of the reasons why I’m glad the LDS chuch purchased all retail property around temple square.
I do not side with Westboro and I think they’te a bunch of Morons, however the gay community just lowered themselves to their standards by doing this. They’re just as immature and childish as westboro!
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:24amI don’t care what anybody says, that is funny. Frankly, both deserve each other. I hope the newsies keep and eye on this for follow ups. Considering that Westboro is made up primarily of a family of lawyers they will likely find something in the local housing codes and/or city ordinances regarding the house’s new paint job and sue them. They unfortunately have been very successful in the courts.
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Gonzo
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:24amThis won’t end well. I can picture a violent crime being committed and then reactionary legislation against all churches who believe and preach the Bible.
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Southerner01
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:55amWestboro Baptist does not believe and preach the Bible.
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Gonzo
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:46pmThat’s not the point, we all know they are misguided, but if something bad happens, it’s a perfect excuse for the leftists to legislate against churches that DO preach the Bible. Like labeling Christian teaching about certain sins being hate speech.
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Locked
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:24amI don’t support the gays who are on a sexually sinful crusade, but this was actually quite the clever (and legal) way to tweak the noses of the WBC. Kudos to Mr. Jackson.
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marssnw
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:59amI fill bad for the people that live around this community. This will not go well for their housing prices. To be located next to Westboro “Baptist”, and now a house painted like a Lucky Charms cereal box. Hopefully the people in the neighbor are from Westboro “Baptist”. Then it would make everything a little more even. Good luck trying to sell a house in this neighborhood.
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AlansTigg
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:21am” Now everyday all people are thinking about is God will not have same sex marriage”
how exactly does she think that will be the result of the rainbow house??????
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mikem1969
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:19amWow, wonder what kind of Westboro protests will be happening now?
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:25amIt will be taken to court and I suspect that is all that will happen from the Westboro loons.
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OlefromMN
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:19amI’ve always thought it is much better to see the lions in a zoo from inside the cage. This can not end well.
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gac1218
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:18amYour right in saying that God hates no one. But, He surely hates sin. I love my son, but he got in trouble and spent some time in prison. I hated what he did. I hated watching his mother being depressed during his whole time incarcerated. Sin is destructive to not just the sinner, but those around the sinner. Trust me, your sin has consequences to pay. God is not just loving, He is a righteous judge, and we will all be judged impartialy by Him in the end. Read Rev. 21. You’re not getting away with anything by making excuses for sin. Do not be deceived.
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gac1218
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:12amLet’s also remember, the question is not if God loves you, it is “Do you love Him?” If you do, then according to John 14 vs 5 and 23, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my commandments” Without reciprocal love then there is no relationship. Do not be deceived. Homosexuality is an abomination to God. You can’t rfuse to repent and expect grace, otherwize God would be a liar.
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SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:16am.
I don’t know which place needs to burned down first…..
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TheArbiter
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:10amsatanist alert
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retiredguy1952
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 6:02pmFlip a coin?
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Mapache
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:12amIt certainly has a Wizard of Oz aspect to it. How about a yellow brick sidewalk?
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Eastinfection
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:28ami was thinking more like Hansel and Gretel.
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