Gay couple receive hate and threat-filled wedding RSVP
By Will Stroude
It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but for one couple from Canton, Ohio, their wedding day looks set to be overshadowed by a particularly spiteful brand of anti-gay hate.
Chad and Keith had just a month to go until their big day in May when they received a hate-filled RSVP to their wedding invitation, telling the pair that they had “sent an invitation to the wrong people” and were going to ‘get what you deserve”.
“So I opened it up, I saw it, I read it and I was like it’s almost got to be a joke, it doesn’t seem real,” Keith told Fox 8 Live.
The anonymous sender added that they had forwarded the invitation to a local anti-gay group who no plan to protest the ceremony.
“Just wanted to let you both know, you have sent an invitation to the wrong people,” the letter reads. “You thought we supported you as a couple, well boys you were so wrong!
“Your invitations were forwarded to an anti gay group in Canton Akron area, they will be attending your wedding. Protestors will be there.
“It’s not normal for 2 ment to marry. What is wrong with you. It’s a sin!!!”
The sender continued: “Some of your friends are only coming to your so called wedding to help in the protest. Like it or not, this is going to happen. This day is going to be ruined for you. This day is going to be a fun show to watch. You are both going to get what you deserve.
“SEE YOU AT THE ANTI GAY SHOW!!”
Chad and Keith, who have been together for nine years, say they have no idea which of their potential guests sent the letter, but that the idea of cancelling or rescheduling the wedding “never even crossed their minds.”
“I never even thought about canceling and quite frankly, other than our initial shock of the letter this made us both want to do it more,” said Keith.
Meanwhile, a local church that got wind of about the story has decided to show their support for the couple by holding a ‘card shower’. New Vision UCC in Canton describes itself as as an “open and affirming congregation”, and letters of support for Chad and Keith can be sent to the address below:
New Vision United Church of Christ
3129 Market Ave North, Canton, Ohio 44714
Attn: Chad and Keith
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