A hate-filled protest is set to happen at a gay wedding in Ohio. What did this couple do to warrant such a protest?
Their only offense: being gay and daring to send out wedding invitations to their family and friends.
The couple, Keith and Chad, received an anonymous, hate filled letter seemingly out of the blue after sending out their invitations.
Local gay couple gets this letter after sending wedding invite. #LoveLetter @cleveland19news Sound off! pic.twitter.com/M5grckrL97
— Dan DeRoos (@DanDeRoos19) April 15, 2016
The letter states,
“Hello Keith Alan and Chad Michael–
Just wanted to you both know, you have sent an invitation to the wrong people. You thought we supported you as a couple, well boys you were so wrong!
Your invitations were forwarded to an anti gay group in Canton Akron area, they will be attending your wedding. Protesters will be there. It’s not normal for 2 men to marry.
What is wrong with you? It’s a sin!!!!
Some of your friends are only coming to your so called wedding to help in the protest. Like it or not, this is going to happen. This day is going to be ruined for you. This is going to be a fun show to watch. You both are going to get what you deserve.
SEE YOU AT THE ANTI-GAY SHOW!!”
Keith and Chad met nine years ago and are set to be married in May. Both men were shocked when they received the letter.
Keith explains,
“So I opened it up, I saw it, I read it, and I was like, it’s almost got to be a joke. It doesn’t seem real . . . I guess we thought we knew the people that were coming and we didn’t know that well.”
Keith and Chad are determined to not to let the letter ruin their happy day. They’ve put a lot of effort into the wedding, including hand painting the decorations and crafting their gifts.
They have pared down their guest list, trying to find the author of the letter.
Chad states,
“This letter we received yesterday is more of a reason to move forward with it. Love will win in the end, that’s what it comes down to.”
The couple has not changed the wedding date or venue, and say that the event is on private property so any unwelcome guests will be denied entry.
After news broke of the letter, the couple has received an outpouring of support online and from their local community. A local church, New Vision UCC in Canton, is hosting a card shower in support of the happy couple.
If you’d like to show your support, all letters and cards of support can be sent to the address below:
New Vision United Church of Christ
3129 Market Ave North, Canton, Ohio 44714
Attn: Chad and Keith
Story and featured image via WOIO, Cleveland 19
