Politics & Government

Activist Delivers 'Tough Love' at Berkley Intersection

George Stephens of Madison Heights stood Thursday at the corner of 12 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway with signs in support of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and in opposition to abortion and homosexuality.

Anti-abortion activist George Stephens took his message to the streets this week in Berkley.

The Madison Heights resident stood Thursday evening at the corner of 12 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway with signs in support of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and in opposition to abortion and homosexuality.

"Berkley made it personal when they voted against the nativity," Stephens said when asked why he chose to demonstrate in the city. Berkley voted in 2007 against allowing a nativity scene to be placed outside of City Hall during the Christmas season.

Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stephens added that he focuses his efforts in liberal-leaning communities along the Woodward Avenue corridor.

"I don't like how all the recent political campaigns have pushed away moral issues," he said. Romney and President Barack Obama both have focused on the economy in the run-up to the November election.

Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think a lot of the news is one-sided," Stephens said. "Sometimes it takes getting out on the side of the road and being provocative. It's just to get people talking about these issues."

Stephens, who moved back and forth on the corner as the traffic lights changed to best be seen by drivers, said Thursday was the second time he was at the intersection this week.

He said he also circulates anti-abortion literature in his own community and belongs to anti-abortion groups including Citizens for a Pro-life Society and Right to Life of Michigan.

"People accuse us of hate, but it's almost a cliche of love the sinner hate the sin," he said. "It's tough love."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Huntington Woods-Berkley