The independent church, which is not affiliated with other Baptist churches, organized the demonstration, marking the second time the Fred Phelps-founded group has picketed one of the superstar's St. Louis performances. In January, the group released flyers stating that the "sleazy God-hater" uses art and fashion as euphemisms, "the guise under which the proud whore Lady Gaga teaches rebellion against God."
Lady Gaga acknowledged the protesters with a simple message to fans, sent via Twitter, Facebook and posted at her website a couple hours before the set's kick-off.
"My request to all little monsters and public authorities is to pay these hate criminals no mind," the singer stated. "Although I respect and do not judge anyone for their personal views on any politics or religion, this group in particular to me, is violent and dangerous.
"I wanted to make my fans aware of my views on how to approach, or rather not approach, these kinds of hate activists."
After a full and uninterrupted arena show, the seemingly unaffected pop star tweeted, "tonight love and hate met in St. Louis and love outnumbered the hate, in poetic thousands. Hate left, but love stayed. Together, we sang."
The Westboro Baptist Church, which has been deemed a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, has a history of making headlines with their protests. Supporters have picketed veterans' funerals, football games, and political events, as well as Michael Jackson's funeral, some with signs that read "God hates fags" and "thank God for dead soldiers."
Lady Gaga will continue on with her extensive "Monster Ball" tour, touching down tomorrow night (7/20) in Oklahoma City, where Westboro Baptist Church protesters are also expected to be in attendance.
From:http://www.soundspike.com/
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