Protests planned as fundamentalist church bringing DontMessWithOurKids rally to Cal Anderson next week

On May 24, 2025, On Fire Ministries will host a rally titled “#DontMessWithOurKids” at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, focusing on sex trafficking and abortion. The event, organized by Matt Shea, a fundamentalist pastor, has drawn support from anti-LGBTQ activist Sean Feucht. Counterprotests are likely as the rally is scheduled just before the start of Seattle's Pride celebrations. In early May, the park hosted a large May Day rally that focused on labor rights, which saw no significant clashes despite the presence of counter-protesters. The On Fire rally is emblematic of ongoing cultural tensions in the area, as it comes on the heels of the park's recent history of contentious gatherings.

Seattle Parks has granted permits for the event, ensuring it complies with local regulations. The church's rhetoric emphasizes traditional family values, which may further inflame local debates on LGBTQ rights. As Seattle prepares for Pride, the juxtaposition of these events highlights the city's diverse and sometimes conflicting social landscape.