Nikalas Kryzanowski, News Editor news @theotherpress.ca Ashley Whillans, Associate News Editor associate @theotherpress.ca en SU es By Ashley Whillans. Files from Nikalas Kryzanowski LE rainy weather and cold winds, over 200 protestors showed up at Grandview Park in Vancouver last Friday, November 28" to SPARKLE (Spread Peace, Acceptance, Respect, Kindness, Love and Equality), an event to raise awareness for gay rights. The rally came in response to a threat issued by a group calling itself the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), who claimed they would be on hand to picket a production of The Laramie Project, a play currently running at the Havana Theatre in Vancouver. The WBC is a rabidly anti-gay hate group led by Fred Phelps. Based in Kansas, they travel around North America, protesting institutions and events they deem “ungodly,” including U.S, military funerals of soldiers who died in Iraq. They also have a particular interest in the play The Laramie Project, written by Moses Kaufman, which describes the death of a young gay man, Matthew Shepard, and how it affects the small town of Laramie, Wyoming. Director of the Vancouver production of The Laramie Project, Ryan Mooney of Fighting Chance Productions, said The Havana Theatre notified him about the WBC’s interest through an online alert service. Before the rally, The Other Press spoke to Mooney, and although he was excited about the rally, he was also concerned about the all-too-relevant issue of hate crimes against homosexuals. Mooney witnessed an incident a little over a year ago, which inspired Mooney to choose the play. “I was at the Majestic [a restaurant on Davie Street] downtown and there was a hammer incident there, so it is still a very controversial topic for us, and the timing [of the production] worked out really well,” said Mooney. “Time will tell what happens tonight, but the fact that there is so much interest in it is really huge for us.” The WBC never showed up; they were stopped at the border, likely as a result of a request from a pair of federal NDP MPs —Libby Davies and Bill Siksay, who encouraged Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan to prevent the group from setting foot in Canada. Their claim was based on the notion that WBC’s stated intentions would constitute a premeditated violation of section 319 of the Canadian Criminal Code “against offense to willfully promote hatred against any identifiable group or communicate statements in any public place that incite hatred against any identifiable group the breaking hate speech laws.” With or without a public confrontation, the demonstration proved to be a big success, not only garnering support for gay rights, but also for the local production company, which is now looking forward to a nearly sold-out run, thanks to talent and a lot of publicity. The rally went off without a hitch, showcasing the talents of the Carnival Band, as well as numerous speakers. One of the speakers in attendance was newly-elected MLA for Burrard-Vancouver, Spencer Herbert, who came with his boyfriend Ronnie. He urged the Harper government to begin supporting their cause and to speak up about gay issues in the community. “We must support our arts and culture community. We need to stand strong for the arts and culture community,” said Herbert. Another key note speaker was homosexual church leader, Rev. Markus Duenzkofer, who urged the crowd to speak up against WBC’s hatred “not with evil and darkness in return, but with love and light.” Liz Wilton, the event coordinator, said of the turnout and community support, “I’m so excited, it’s my dream.” SPARKLE managed to shine on long into the night. The Laramie Project runs through December 6" at The Havana Theatre. To book tickets e-mail fightingchanceproductions@hotmail.com or call 604.807.9268. ee Gorniva MP the party : Business plan competition kicks off By Nikalas Kryzanowski, News Editor Fis entrepreneurs can strut their stuff at the sixth annual Small Business BC business plan competition. The theme for this year’s contest is “Economic Development for Vibrant Communities,” which focuses on the positive contributions small businesses make in communities throughout B.C. A panel of small business professionals will be on hand to review submissions, judging the viability of each entrant’s business plans, financial projections and market research. The first-place winners for the CGA-BC Business Start-Up and the Telus Business Growth Awards receives $5,000 each; second place winners $2,000 each; third place winners $1,000 each; and $1,000 each for the Community Leadership Award and the Going Global Award bonus categories. Potential entrants can view the website bizcontest.ca to find sample business plans and other resources to help them prepare their packages. 12 “The contest provides recognition and exposure for new and existing small businesses and acknowledges the important economic contribution of B.C.’s entrepreneurs,” said Rod Young, Small Business BC’s Acting General Manager. “It provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to network, promote their businesses and take the next important step towards making their business dreams a reality.” In a similar manner to the TV show Dragon’s Den on CBC, finalists will have an opportunity to present their business plan “pitches” to judges, following which judges will have an opportunity to pose questions to finalists. Last year’s finalists include an online media company, a microbrewery and a private daycare facility which has now expanded to three locations throughout the province. All business plans are due at noon on Tuesday, December 16", 2008, while pitches begin February 9", 2009.