Roseville High
Students Face Anti-Gay
Protest on First Day
From news10.net
Sacramento, CA August 20, 2005
Two anti-gay protesters greeted
students at Roseville High School Thursday. The pair denounced
homosexuality and called for an end to school-sanctioned groups such as the
Gay-Straight Alliance.
Protesters Luke Otterstad of Placerville and Tim Bueler of Rohnert Park were
positioned directly across the street from Roseville High as students arrived
for the first day of classes Thursday morning.
Carrying signs and banners with slogans such as "Homosexuality is sin" and "Gays
hate God," the pair said the demonstration is part of a regional tour to promote
their message. "We want to get homosexuality out of our public schools and
we're touring Northern California schools to do that," Bueler said.
Bueler and Otterstad complied with city laws and remained across the street from
students, staying in position through the noon student lunch period.
Several Roseville High students and other observers felt the protest was
inappropriate for the start of their school year.
"It's the first day of school and who knows who's going to come out here," said
senior Lisa Aurich. "It might scare freshmen."
"This is a sad day here in Roseville when you have signs that are trying to
educate our children in high school to hate," Roseville resident Maria Trevizo
said.
Bueler and Otterstad began their series of demonstrations Wednesday in front of
Placer High School in Auburn. The pair said they were planning similar
demonstrations, but would not comment on when or where they may occur.
Roseville High principal John Montgomery spoke to the demonstrators.
Montgomery said that while he accepted their right to state their views, he was
unsuccessful in encouraging them to leave.
"It's the opening day of school, so regardless of anyone's philosophy, if
there's a disruption causing attention, then it's not a good thing," Montgomery
said.
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