Protest over church sign draws dozens in Palatine ahead of weekend LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations

PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) -- As communities across Chicago and its suburbs prepare for Pride parade weekend, a suburban church has become the center of controversy, drawing dozens of protesters over messaging displayed on an electronic sign.

Barriers are already being set up along parade routes and safety plans are in place across the region. While many are anticipating celebrations, tensions surfaced Friday night in Palatine, where demonstrators gathered outside a church along Palatine Road.

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The protest focused on messages posted by the church, which it says are religious in nature. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community, however, say they find the messages offensive.

Several dozen protesters, waving rainbow flags and carrying signs, stood outside the church to voice their concerns. Organizers said the demonstration was peaceful and intended to raise awareness.

"Our goal was to let other residents of Palatine know what this Church preaches and that Palatine is better than that," said Paul Dombrowski of the Northwest Suburban Pride Network.

Church members also gathered nearby, observing the protest. Demonstrators said they are particularly concerned about the impact of the messages on children, noting the church's proximity to a school. One message displayed on the sign read, "ditch Pride, embrace humility."

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"It is importantly to stand up for those in our Community who are being marginalized and ostracized clearly in this way," said Chelsea Laliberte Barnes of Liberal Moms of the Northwest Suburbs.

The issue comes amid broader tensions in Palatine over Pride-related displays. Some protesters said they have lobbied the village council to fly a Pride flag outside City Hall, but officials declined, citing a village ordinance.

The pastor of New Hope Community Church said he does not plan to remove or change the sign's message, but welcomed the presence of protesters.

"They give us the chance to share God's truth. I wish they'd come every day so we can have conversation," said James Pittman Jr.

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The pastor said the messages on the sign typically reflect the season, such as Christmas or Easter, and noted that June is Pride Month.