Lynnwood Activists Gather In Support the LGBT Community As

Hate-Group Holds Conference in Lynnwood, Washington

The Watchmen on the Wall are an international anti-gay extremist group who are meeting October 19-21 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. The Watchmen are popular among Christian fundamentalists and Russian-speaking evangelicals from the former Soviet Union. Members have been increasingly active in several West-coast US cities generally considered gay-friendly, including Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle. 

The purpose of the conference in Lynnwood is for the group to further plan their work against homosexuals and “homosexualists” (Watchmen term for straight people supportive of LGBT equality). A featured speaker at the conference will be local Pastor Ken Hutcherson, founder of the Antioch Bible Church and vocal opponent of LGBT equality.

As news of the Watchmen gathering spread throughout the greater Seattle area, the response of outrage has been tremendous. Concern is high given the anti-gay violence that tends to swarm around Watchmen events. Activists from Lynnwood along with many groups are hosting an alternative event to show the support and concern for the LGBT community even as this conference happens. The event “Love and Pride: Lynnwood Responds to Hate” will feature a gathering of speakers, including members of the clergy, and a special free screening of Inlaws & Outlaws, a local-produced documentary featuring the real-life stories of Washington LGBT people. 

Who: Lynnwood community activists and clergy members, Equal Rights Washington, the Religious Coalition for Equality, and the True Stories Project and a host of sponsors from throughout the greater Seattle area

What: Vigil, film screening of “Inlaws and Outlaws”, and discussion with community leaders and filmmaker Drew Emery. For more information on “Inlaws and Outlaws” visit http://www.inlawsandoutlawsfilm.com

When: Sunday, October 21, at 3pm

Where: Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, 8109 224th Street, Edmonds, Washington

Sponsored by:

Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church  

Equal Rights Washington

Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Church

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Lynnwood

Greater Seattle Business Association

Ingersoll Gender Center

Lake City Christian Church

Log Cabin Republicans of Washington

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

Northwest Women’s Law Center

Planned Parenthood of Western Washington

Religious Coalition for Equality

Seattle Gay News

Seattle LGBT Community Center

Seattle PFLAG Chapter

True Stories Project

Contact:  Josh Friedes, Advocacy Director, Equal Rights Washington 206-679-8546

      Connie Watts, Executive Director, Equal Rights Washington 206-290-7426 

      Drew Emery, Director, True Stories Project 206-274-5858