State College leaders voice support for LGBTQ+ community after church is targeted over Pride flag
The State College Borough Council doubled down on their support for the LGBTQ+ community this week while condemning a group that spewed hate speech and hateful rhetoric before a church service in downtown State College.
Council President Evan Myers during Monday’s council meeting said groups of people have disrupted non-political events, including State High’s prom and graduation, and most recently a worship service at the Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Ave., State College, on Sunday.
There’s been a rise in hate speech and acts of hate, Myers said, and said adding that could give us a glimpse into the future if people don’t continue to work to pursue justice.
“It is important that we stand by the side of the Constitution that no one establishes their religion above the rest of us. It is important that we take a stand on the side of people who are discriminated against or marginalized simply because of the color of their skin, their gender, how they worship or who they love,” he said.
Mayor Ezra Nanes said he supports the members of the congregation, including the Rev. Jes Kast, who was at the meeting. He said “people should be able to be who they are without fear of being harassed or targeted in any way.”
Kast spoke during public comment and said four men targeted the church because of the rainbow Pride flag that hangs outside. The group stood outside with signs, saying homophobic and hateful rhetoric to people entering the church.
They also made hateful comments to community members as they walked by, condemning and harassing them, Kast said.
“I want to first commend Faith Church and all of my congregants, who, by God’s strength, desire to live the way of Jesus, which we believe in the Bible says to pray for our enemies, and as Dr. King said over and over, to stand up to hatred with the strength to love. Or as Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers,” Kast said.
She thanked the State College Police Department for being with them outside the church, to protect and “keep the peace.” She thanked borough leaders, such as the council, mayor and manager Tom Fountaine, as well as other local politicians, including Centre County Commissioner Amber Concepcion, for reaching out to her and standing with them in solidarity.
“It is less lonely for peace and justice when you have friends that reach out, and I’m reminded in their comments that I belong here, and this is where I’m supposed to be, and I believe God was speaking through you all, so thank you,” Kast said.
Council member Kevin Kassab said as a member of the State College and LGBTQ+ community, people have asked him why they hang Pride flags, have a Pride parade or other community events. The reason, he said, is because of what they just saw: the hate.
“There is no — zero — tolerance for any type of hate in the State College borough or surrounding communities. And as a council person, as a member of the community, I will stand for that, and I know my fellow council members will do the same. And I apologize to Faith United Church, for … the disruption that they had. It’s uncalled for, rude, ignorant, and it should not be happening in State College,” Kassab said.
Council member Josh Portney echoed the other council members’ words, and added that he thought there was a line being crossed in State College. He said when he walks downtown at times, he sees people harassing others.
“I see these people with, you know, crosses and different things like that, and they’re harassing students, and they’re harassing … adults, and it’s not acceptable. It shouldn’t be allowed here. It shouldn’t be allowed anywhere. And I think there’s a real line that’s being crossed, and it’s harassment, and I’m really sorry that it happened to you, and I really — I stand with you, and this whole council does too,” Portney said.
