Tonight's protest was different from those in the past.

We gathered in an open area east of the COB, then Crossed the street to the COB and Temple Square. Once we surrounded the Temple Square and the COB, Everyone laid down to symbolically represent the death of gay teens. So, this was not at all a loud, rowdy protest, rather it was quiet as people laid on the sidewalk completely surrounding the COB and temple square with "bodies" three people deep.

News coverage was everywhere. I know the Associated Press was there so this might get national attention.

There were reports of people coming in from San Francisco and the east coast.

People are saying that maybe as many as 4.000 people showed up



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/07/2010 11:18PM by MJ.

I saw a news report that there were at least 1,000 people there. I wish I had been there and I hope it prompts some soul-searching by those who saw it. Thank you for being there and for reporting :0)

I hope that's true-- that would be amazing. Here's where I found the 1,000 count.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqHYKU81IH96N2UWiNevTveUgBjgD9IN83MG2?docId=D9IN83MG2

That is great MJ. Can't wait to hear or see this on the news.

I love that it was quiet and nonconfrontational. I bet it drove the Mormons nuts -- nothing to complain about. (Although I'm sure they will, poor, poor persecuted people that they are...)

http://www.timesonline.com/bct_news/news_details/article/1373/2010/october/07/utah-gay-activists-protest-mormon-church-remarks.html

Its a good one :-)

I drove around for about 30 minutes, walked around for 30, and drove around another few times. Most of the people were along the east and north side of the church office buildings. There was almost no one on west temple, and south was a dead zone. I think what made it hard to estimate size is the turnover rate of the crowd. Several did not seem prepared for the chilly weather and may have left after a short time. We noticed quite a few people in "transition" (coming and going). Also, because several were laying down stretched out it gave an impression there were a lot of people.

My estimate would be about 800-1000 people total, but around 600-700 at 'peak' actually on the street.

Thank you to everyone that participated!

The Associated Press article appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, the major newspaper for Northern California.

If anyone knows of protests at the Oakland temple, let me know.

The blood of those teens/victims is on the hands of the Mormon church and whomever else they slept with and campaigned for Proposition H8. Shame, shame on them!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2010 10:15AM by charles10.