DRACUT, Mass. -- A group of Midwestern protesters continued to cause controversy Monday outside an elementary school in Dracut.

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Kelley Tuthill Reports On Protest

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., protested against homosexuality outside Boston area churches and graduation ceremonies.

The group was upset about a student's essay about lesbian comedian Ellen DeGeneres.

Lakeside Avenue in Dracut was shut down while 90 police officers kept guard.

"I had SWAT on standby. I had 30 units. I had 12 to 14 mountain bike officers, plus I had a compliment of 37 of my officers," Dracut Police Department Chief Kevin Richardson said.

"In the day of judgment, there will be no, 'I didn't know' out of you, buddy," one protester said.

Police said that the group's beliefs could incite violence.

"The hot button issue in this day and age is homosexuality. The main thing to tell them is that it's not OK to be gay. If you live the life of a homosexual when you die you are going to split Hell wide open," Westboro Baptist Church member Rebekah Phelps-David said.

"Look kids, this is what Bible-thumping morons look like. The genuine article, right here," Dracut, Mass, resident Eddie Dyer said.

The group targeted the school where a student won a contest for her essay.

"Her essay was well-written, and certainly didn't focus on this topic. It's been really taken quite out of context," Dracut School Superintendent Elaine Espindle said.

Some parents kept children home, while others stood outside the school and watched nervously.

"I think it's ridiculous. I think that they need to go back where they came from. It's a free country, freedom of speech. She wrote an innocent paper, and this is what it brings. It's ridiculous," parent Mary Lee Kirby said.