Last Saturday, more than 150,000 people gathered in D.C. for the Capital Pride Parade — a celebration of all things LGBT. Sadly, for the first time in the event’s 40-year history, the Boy Scouts of America participated in the march. Banners were also carried by the D.C. Public Schools and Library, the police and branches of the U.S. Military, as well as an assortment of private sponsors.
Prior to the procession, supporters milled about in the center of Dupont Circle, sporting rainbow sunglasses, shirts, capes, beads and body paint. The atmosphere was one of excitement and tolerance for everyone — except for those presenting an alternative view. That’s where all the rainbows and acceptance turned into profanity and abuse.
A small contingent of Christians had set up camp behind a fence, preaching the Gospel in a pleasant manner and professing the Biblical view of homosexuality. One formerly gay man — now a Christian believer — gave his testimony. In response, a young man in devil horns and a g-string (call him “Horny”) begin dancing erotically, cursing and blasting music in the face of “the haters.” His antics attracted an enthusiastic crowd and participants gave Horny bottles of cold water and lined up to take photos with him.
Elsewhere, people argued, made obscene gestures and repeatedly shouted “F**k you!” at another church group. One man, who carried a sign which read “Jesus Christ Is the Only Way to Heaven,” was physically assaulted.
Thankfully, the parade itself was relatively tame in comparison. No one dared to voice an opposing view, so there was no one to scream and curse at. One participant said that the festival was “about being ourselves, it's about loving who we want to love and it's about celebrating with friends who accept us for who we are." There was certainly no love for people of a different opinion.
