Street preachers and spectators clash at L.A. Gay Pride Special

West Hollywood - A group of street preachers showed up to protest the L.A. Gay Pride Parade on Sunday. They were met by angry spectators who were offended by their anti-gay messages.

A small area protected by barriers and police officers was designated for the street preachers. They displayed signs with Bible quotes and other messages of rebuke. Many of them took turns speaking to the crowd through a microphone. This is the 42nd year the L.A. area has enjoyed its Gay Pride Parade. It's organized by Christopher Street West Association, Inc., a non-profit organization within the Greater Los Angeles area.

Kevin Fitzgerald

The street preachers display their signs at L.A. Gay Pride.

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Kevin Fitzgerald

Another sign

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WARNING: Some may find the following video offensive. A few of the preachers were bold enough to stand outside of the designated area with their signs and place themselves among the crowd of spectators who were watching the parade.

Kevin Fitzgerald

A man stands on the sidewalk with his sign.

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Many of the attendees expressed their disapproval of the preachers' messages with signs and verbal confrontations.

Kevin Fitzgerald

One of the spectators at L.A. Gay Pride displays their sign in rebuttal to the preachers' messages.

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Kevin Fitzgerald

The crowd reacts to the street preachers.

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Ruben Israel, a well-known street preacher who frequently pickets gay pride festivals, was also present for the event. During his preachings, he frequently strayed from biblical topics and launched into personal tirades against spectators. Even people who were attempting to pass through the area without stirring up a confrontation were singled out and bullied.

Kevin Fitzgerald

Ruben Israel

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The street preachers left the area without incident around 2 pm shortly after the parade concluded.