Stop the Church

Stop the Church

Stop the Church was a significant protest that took place on December 10, 1989, organized by the activist group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) along with the Women's Health Action and Mobilization (WHAM!). The protest targeted the St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York in Manhattan, aiming to draw attention to the Roman Catholic Church's stance on AIDS, homosexuality, and abortion. The event is notable for its impact on public discourse regarding AIDS and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as the tactics used in activism during the late 20th century.

Background

The late 1980s were marked by a growing crisis related to AIDS, with significant numbers of deaths and widespread stigma against those affected, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The Roman Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope John Paul II, held conservative views on issues of homosexuality, condom use, and abortion, which activists argued contributed to the AIDS crisis and the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people. ACT UP, formed in 1987, sought to bring greater attention to the AIDS crisis and advocate for more substantial medical research and treatment options.

The Protest

On December 10, 1989, over 4,500 protesters gathered outside St. Patrick's Cathedral, while around 111 activists entered the church itself. Inside, activists staged a "die-in," lying on the floor to symbolize the deaths caused by AIDS, while others chanted or yelled during the service. The protest was met with a significant police presence, and several activists were arrested.

The choice of St. Patrick's Cathedral as the protest site was symbolic, aiming to directly challenge the Catholic Church's influence over AIDS and LGBTQ+ issues. The event was controversial, drawing criticism from some who saw it as disrespectful and praise from others who viewed it as a necessary act of civil disobedience to bring attention to critical issues.

Impact

"Stop the Church" is considered a pivotal moment in the history of AIDS activism and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. It highlighted the role of religious institutions in the public debate over AIDS and homosexuality, and it showcased the power of direct action in effecting social change. The protest received national media coverage, contributing to a broader discussion about the AIDS crisis and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In the years following the protest, the conversation around AIDS began to shift, with increased emphasis on medical research, treatment, and prevention. The activism of groups like ACT UP played a crucial role in changing public perceptions and government policies related to AIDS.

Legacy

Today, "Stop the Church" is remembered as a bold and controversial act of protest that underscored the urgency of the AIDS crisis and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It remains a subject of study in the fields of social movements, health activism, and LGBTQ+ history, illustrating the complexities of activism and the impact of direct action on public policy and opinion.