The Queer Justice League along with members of Proud Ally and GETEqual are planning to travel to Augusta on Saturday to hold a peaceful counter protest to the Ku Klux Klan.

The KKK is protesting Augusta State University after the university stated graduate level counseling student Jennifer Keeton, a devout Christian, needed to change her anti-gay beliefs in order to graduate.

Keeton then sued the university in July  claiming her constitutional rights were violated.

However, U.S. District Judge Randall Hall ruled against Keeton in August, saying in part that, "This case is not about the propriety of Plaintiff's views or beliefs, or any of the Augusta State University counseling faculty's views or beliefs, regarding the topics implicated in this case … Despite any suggestion to the contrary, this is not a case pitting Christianity against homosexuality.”

The KKK, which states has had no contact with Keeton about the protest, says it is rallying for Keeton to support her First Amendment rights.

But Georgia LGBT activists believe the KKK's motives, as well as Keeton's anti-gay beliefs, contribute to a society that supports discrimination and bigotry.

“Considering the recent string of youth LGBT suicides, allies from across Georgia are gathering with LGBT Georgians to send a loud and clear message that hate is not welcome in Georgia. Proud Ally is putting together its first self-organized direct action in support of LGBT equality. The founders and many contributing members of Proud Ally hail from Augusta and other parts of the South,” states a QJL press release.

The counter protest will take place Saturday, Oct. 23, from 1-4 p.m. outside the August State University campus at the intersection of Walton Way and Fleming Avenue.

The QJL will be organizing a carpool to the counter protest on Saturday, leaving at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. For information or if interested in driving, contact Jeff Schade at [email protected] with your name and contact information.

Top photo: Jennifer Keeton (via Alliance Defense Fund)