A small group of anti-gay protesters gathered today outside a funeral service for a Reno soldier killed in Iraq, but later became surrounded by more than 150 counter-demonstrators.

The anti-gay protest was the latest sponsored by the Westboro Baptist Church based in Topeka, Kansas, which claims God kills soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to punish America for condoning homosexuality.

Washoe County sheriff’s Lieutenant Dean Spurr says there were no problems after three anti-gay protesters became surrounded by counter-demonstrators across the street from Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where the service was held for Army Staff Sergeant Sean Gaul.

The 29-year-old Gaul was among six soldiers who died January 9th in Sinsil, Iraq, after an improvised explosive device, commonly known as IED, detonated during combat operations.

Counter-demonstrators showed up with American flags and made it difficult to see anti-gay protesters’ signs that read "God Hates Fags" and "God Loves IE-Ds."

The Westboro Baptist Church has sponsored similar protests across the country.

Tags: anti-gay, gay usa, homophobia, homophobic, westboro church