Hartford, Conn. ? A handful of antigay protesters jeered and shouted at parishioners heading to Palm Sunday Mass at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church because they said the church supports same-sex marriages.

“Churches are encouraging people to commit sin,” said Margie Phelps, a member of the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church. “You expect politicians to be sinners, not people who believe in God. America has strayed from the path of righteousness.”

The Westboro church, led by Phelps’ father, Fred Phelps, regularly demonstrates around the country against gay rights. Margie Phelps and seven other members, including three young children, stood across the street from the downtown church Sunday morning, holding signs and shouting at parishioners.

She also took issue with the Catholic church in general because of the highly publicized church abuse scandals involving pedophile priests.

“Don’t bring your children in there to be molested,” she screamed at a couple walking into church with their children. “Read a newspaper, people!”

Some parishioners chose to leave their children at home or attend a different church because of the protest. Parishioner Ruth Yakitis of South Windsor had mixed feelings about exposing the youngsters to the spectacle.

“But I think it’s important for people to see this because people need to see there’s hatred out there,” Yakitis said. “It really opens your eyes as to what we’re here for.”

A slightly larger group of counter protesters stood in front of the church, keeping a silent vigil. Many of them were dressed as angels.

“There’s really nothing to say,” said a counter protester who declined to give his name. “We want our silence to speak for us.”

Passing motorists had plenty to say, however. A couple of motorists got into heated exchanges with members of Phelps’ group. Police patrolling the scene said a few verbal spats nearly escalated into fights.

About a half-dozen city police maintained a presence until after the 11 a.m. Mass broke up.

“Our job is to protect both sides,” police Capt. Michael Fallon said. “Their actions are protected under the first amendment. They have a right to be here.”

The Kansas group plans to protest Monday at the state Capitol and at Yale University in New Haven.