Video: Gay, anti-gay demonstrators face off outside Snoqualmie school

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SNOQUALMIE, Wash. - Supporters and opponents of a Day of Silence for gay and lesbian students faced off Friday outside Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie and exchanged angry words.

Inside the school, students wore t-shirts and arm bands expressing their views about the National Day of Silence in support of gay and lesbian students, but outside, this day of silence was anything but quiet.

On one side were supporters of students inside the school expressing their support of gays and lesbians.  On the other side were those protesting the school district for allowing the student-lead observance. Police kept both sides apart and tried to control the crowd with yellow tape.

"They want to have the day of silence?  Be like other clubs. Do it before or after school, not messing up the classroom," said Rev. Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond.  "For anyone to say that the Day of Silence does not interrupt the school, they're dead, blind or just plain prejudice."

A protest organized by Hutcherson, who has a daughter at the school, drew about 100 followers protesting the student demonstration. Hutcherson made his own t-shirt which expresses his outrage. His also ran an ad in the Snoqualmie Valley Record newspaper inviting a protest of the demonstration. 

Student organizers say the Day of Silence supports students who fear retaliation because of their sexual orientation.

"Once we enter the building we will no longer be speaking," said Austin Anderson, student. 

Anderson said his silence is in support of gays and lesbians who face discrimination and cannot speak out themselves.

The school principal estimated roughly 10 percent of the student population may be gay.  He reports no serious harassment issues in the last several months and calls the demonstration a form of expression which does not violate school policy against protests. 

But many students against the Day of Silence also felt compelled to show their views. 

Concerns over protests at their school compelled about 500 students - about one-third of the student body - to stay away from Mount Si High School.

In response to Hutcherson's ad, the Tolt United Church of Christ advertised its support of the demonstrating students. 

Students participating in the demonstration were given strict guidelines about how to handle themselves and to report any kind of harassment.  If they're asked a question in class, they are required to answer.  Teachers are not allowed to take part in the day of silence.