Church in California has been vandalised after its outspoken opposition to ‘Drag Queen Storytime’ children’s event at public library
The weekend vandalism at Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista is being investigated as a hate crime by police, and a pastor believes his church was targeted because of their strong opposition to the city-run children’s event known as “Drag Queen Storytime.”
Just two months ago www.10news.com went to visit the church in question and interviewed Executive Pastor Amado Huizar about what happened at his parish at South Bay Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista.
“Sure enough, at every corner there were phrases, hateful words, and graffiti on the walls spray painted with the words “Lucifer” and “Satan”, as well as a pentagram, of our church,” Pastor Huizar said.
He quickly covered up to show the symbols and messages associated with Satan. He said that “there is no doubt” the church was targeted.
For the last two weeks, Huizar has been outspoken about his opposition to the Chula Vista Library-sanctioned Drag Queen Storytime event. “If the people want to make that happen, do it at a private setting, at a book store or at a home, but not at the Chula Vista Public Library,” Huizar said.
“The Chula Vista Public Library said this is a reflection of our community. I beg to differ,” He added.
Huizar revealed the church’s surveillance system captured two men parking their sedan in the church parking lot at around 3:00 a.m. Sunday and walking toward the building. Fifteen minutes later, they are seen jumping back into the car with what looked to be spray cans in their hands.
Huizar filed a hate crime report with Chula Vista police and asked for increased patrols.
Just like the pastor many American adults believe such an event is not age-appropriate, nor should it be held in central public libraries as part of taxpayer-funded cultural programs.
“I’m all about diversity. I am all about inclusiveness,” Huizar said. “When you do something like a ‘drag queen story hour,’ you are excluding a segment of the populous who are not in favor of this because of what we experienced today or scared to speak out.”
Despite what happened, Huizar promised not to back down. “I’m very sad,” the pastor said. “I’m heartbroken, but I am going to continue to speak.”
10News learned Huizar would be meeting with Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas the following morning. He hopes to convince her to cancel the public event or have it moved to a private event, like the upcoming South Pay Pride Festival.
If not, Drag Queen Storytime will go on as scheduled at the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch just as in many other public institutions all over America, Canada and recently also in Europe.