Westboro Baptist Church to protest NBA game: 'God hates Portland Trail Blazers'

(Photo: Twitter/WBC)

The controversial Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) intends to picket outside the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Orlando Magic game in Portland on Saturday.

WBC, known for their "God hates fags" campaign and for picketing military funerals, is targeting the Trail Blazers because of their pro-LGBT stance.

In October 2013, the Trail Blazers became the first NBA team to publicly support gay marriage as Oregon's gay marriage ban came under fire. Over a year later, the team's stance has caused them to be targeted by the WBC.

"The Portland Trail Blazers punched the Lord Jesus Christ in the face," the church's statement read. 

"There was absolutely no reason for the Portland Trail Blazers to throw in their lot with the fags except to gratuitously kiss fag [expletive]. The Portland Trail Blazers should REPENT and apologize to God."

The church plans to picket outside of the Moda Center after protesting the Gay Christian Network Conference at the Oregon Convention Center that morning.

WBC also protested two NBA playoff games last season after numerous players, coaches, and executives voiced support for retired player Jason Collins after he announced that he is gay.

The contentious organisation targeted the music industry last summer - waging protests against Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco over alleged perversions.

They also picketed outside leading tech companies Facebook, Google, Apple, Reddit, YouTube, Skype, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram during their "God Hates the Media Tour."