Only rally at play ‘positive’

U.S. anti-gay church group a no-show at Laramie Project

kristen thompson/metro vancouver

Havana Restaurant manager Gina Ness, seen outside the café on Commercial Drive yesterday, says the rally was “peaceful.”

Published: December 01, 2008 5:05 a.m.

Last modified: December 01, 2008 2:08 a.m.

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The outpouring of support shown by activists outside Havana Restaurant in defence of a play about a gay man’s murder is a testament to Vancouver’s tolerance and liberalism, the restaurant’s manager said yesterday.

On Friday, around 200 people rallied outside Havana Restaurant on Commercial Drive in support of that night’s showing of the Laramie Project, a play based on the murder of a gay American student.

“It was a really peaceful rally,” said Gina Ness. “It’s so great for the community to really get behind something that’s positive.”

Members of an anti-gay American church group, the Westboro Baptist Church, had threatened to come to Vancouver to protest that night’s show.

They never arrived, and it’s unclear if they were refused at the border or chose not to come.
Ness said the group’s plan to spread anti-gay sentiments and hatred backfired, adding that people lined both sides of Commercial Drive in the rain holding placards and rainbow flags while cars honked in support.

“It shows a lot about the diversity in the city and the acceptance (we have) for how each person lives. It’s a really positive thing.”