Janice Hahn: “This upcoming Monday, the Westboro Baptist Church plans to hold protests outside of Redondo Union High School in Redondo…”

“This upcoming Monday, the Westboro Baptist Church plans to hold protests outside of Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. We have seen these protests before, often at the funerals of our fallen servicemen and -women. They are known, unfortunately, for their hateful message, especially against LGBT Americans. The members of this church believe that America's generation of high schoolers is ``utterly without hope.'' They say that because these young students are promoting acceptance and inclusion of all people, regardless of whether they are gay or straight. I couldn't disagree more with their premise of calling these students ``without hope.'' I think because these students are promoting acceptance and inclusion of all people, regardless of whether they are gay or straight, they are building a future full of hope. I have the utmost faith in the next generation as the future leaders of this Nation. Of course, no matter how much I disagree with this group, these individuals should be allowed to exercise their right to protest, and they do have a right to free speech in this country. The students have those same rights, and an inspiring group of Redondo High students are organizing a peaceful counterprotest on Monday. Yesterday, I wrote a letter to the members of the school's Gay- Straight Alliance and told them that I wished I could be there on Monday to protest alongside of them.…”