SIOUX CITY, IA -
One group calls it discrimination, the other says it's following religious values.
Friday lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocates protested outside of the Gospel Mission in Sioux City.
"The only way that anything is ever going to change is if we decide to change it ourselves," said Shannon Plucker of Sioux City, protesting outside of the Gospel Mission Friday.
Nearly a dozen LBGT supporters were calling for a stop to what they call discrimination, saying the Mission turns away gay people looking for help.
"I used to come down here to the Gospel Mission and I refuse to come down here again until they support my friends and my family," said Wanda Vigil of Sioux City, one of Friday's protestors.
The protest was all because of a "Statement of Marriage and Sexuality," part of a handbook that has to be signed by employees, volunteers, and anyone who stays at the Mission.
The LBGT supporters say people have been turned away for their sexual preferences, something they want to see a changed.
"All they want is a safe place to sleep," said Diane Riley of North Sioux City, South Dakota. "And that's all we're asking, is for our people to have a safe bed to sleep in, a meal to feed their stomach."
"The key issue is always centered upon their behavior," said Harold Youtzy, Pastor and Executive Director of the Gospel Mission.
Youtzy says the place doesn't discriminate.
Everyone seeking a hot meal, clothing, or access to the food bank is welcome.
Those people just have to follow the rules when they're at the Mission, that means no "homosexual conduct" on the premises.
"God very clearly says that homosexuality is wrong," said Youtzy. "We are not going to say that we won't take them in, we will take them in, but if their behavior is such while they are here that goes against the rules then we are going to invite them to leave."
But until they see a change, those LGBT protestors just want one thing.
"Out there in the world there's widespread discrimination and we're just tired of it," said Plucker. "We want to see our rights as human beings just like everyone else."
Youtzy also says the Mission won't be compromising on its stance anytime soon.
He says the "Statement of Marriage and Sexuality" will only change if the Bible itself changes.
