Politics & Government

Dueling Protests Erupt Over Medford Church's Gender Identity Sign

New England Baptist Church's sign declaring "gender identity solved" drew pro-LGBTQ demonstrators and church supporters to Salem St. Friday.

MEDFORD, MA — A Medford church's controversial sign regarding gender identity drew protesters to Salem Street Friday.

The sign displayed out front of New England Baptist Church read "Male and Female. Created He Them. Gen 5:2. Gender Identity Solved," Frontline's Lex Weaver reported.

Pro-LGBTQ demonstrators and local elected officials gathered across the street from the church to protest the sign.

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"Two, four, six, eight: Medford has no room for hate!" City Councilor Zac Bears tweeted. "I was proud to join so many Medford residents tonight standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors. Trans rights are human rights!"

A counterprotest of church supporters formed in front of the church. Both groups chanted at each other from opposite sides of Salem Street.

Find out what's happening in Medfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

City Councilor Nicole Morell said she was "so proud to be a part of this community that came out to show that hate has no home here."

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