 "Photo: Graeme Fouste")
Religious protestors targeting homosexuals, fornicators and sinners drew much attention when they gathered in front of the Thomas Cooper Library Monday afternoon.
Three men preaching and carrying signs reading "homo sex is sin," "homo sex is a threat to national security" and other phrases drew strong reactions from USC students who gathered to listen and contest.
"It's ridiculous," said Corey Craig, a third-year Spanish student who combated the protest by handing out SC Gay Pride cards and talking against the protestors.
"I'm used to it, but this is totally against the Carolinian Creed," Craig said.
Craig, who is Jewish, was also upset that the protests occurred during his Holy Week.
A man who went only by the name J.K. lead the protest, reading quotes from the Bible and proclaiming that homosexuals and other sinners will go to hell.
Michael Venyah, founder of Soulwinners Ministries International, the Michigan-based group organizing the demonstration, said the protesters plan to be on campus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day this week.
Steve Lefemine, one of the protesters carrying a sign, is a pro-life missionary working with Soulwinners.
"We are an evangelistic ministry. Lord willing, we will be here throughout this week," Lefemine said.
Kaye Torgersen, a fourth-year history student, said she heard the protestors from the library she got there, around 12:30 p.m.
"It's surprising how many students are interacting. It's a mockery really," Torgersen said.
Two USCPD officers on the scene would not comment.
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