Philadelphia, PA, February 5, 2007 ... The Eastern Pennsylvania office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is troubled that the Westboro Baptist Church has announced plans to protest York (PA) Suburban High School's Production of "The Laramie Project".  It has been reported that protests are planned at several area churches. 

The League has communicated with the school and the churches to offer its assistance on dealing with this unfortunate development.

According to Regional Director Barry Morrison, "The ADL, which closely monitors extremist groups such as the virulently homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, is outraged that this group has chosen to spread its hate in Pennsylvania yet again. 

"They have done so on all too many occasions in the last number of years.  Once more, they are seizing the opportunity to spread ill-will against Jews, gays, blacks, Christians, and the United States.  It is ironic and insulting that these alleged protests are being planned in response to a play whose very message is one of tolerance."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.