Gay, anti-gay demonstrators face off at Snoqualmie school

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

Police kept both sides apart Friday and tried to control the crowd with yellow tape.

A protest organized by the Rev. Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church in Redmond drew about 100 followers. Hutcherson, who has a daughter at the school, says any gay rights demonstrations should have been before or after classes.

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

About 50 gay rights supporters wearing armbands and carrying rainbow flags quietly demonstrated outside the school as classes started.

Information from: KOMO-AM, http://www.komoradio.com

Information from: KIRO-AM, http://www.mynorthwest.com/