SAN ANTONIO – Dozens of people protested a controversial author speaking on the city's West Side Thursday.
Constitutional Law Consultant Karen Lugo, author of “Mosques of America: A Guide to Accountable Permit Hearings and Continuing Citizen Oversight,” was in town to talk about her book on preventing the construction of mosques.
Protesters call her Islamophobic, while supporters said she's teaching people how to keep America safe.
Chanting "Say it loud. Say it clear. Muslims are welcome here" about 50 people stood outside Village Parkway Baptist Church protesting the meeting inside.
"Groups such as ACT spread nothing but misinformation and hate," protester Todd Gonzales said.
ACT for America hosted Lugo as a guest speaker.
The group describes itself in the event posting as working to ensure "... national security against ideological Islamic (economic, cultural, political and legal) systems."
"I've been in the Middle East and I've seen what Sharia law looks like, and I don't think that they'd like it much if they saw it or if they lived under it," attendee Walt Parsons said.
ACT for America San Antonio used the church throughout the year to meet, but on Thursday night got the attention of both protesters and police.
San Antonio officers went on their own accord to keep the peace, mostly making sure protesters remained off church property.
Lugo is a constitutional law consultant. The back of her book says she provides "legal insight into local zoning processes" and advice "after a mosque is sited."
The protesters call it a guide to stop construction of places of worship.
"They claim that they're protecting the Constitution of [the] United States. Not really. They're destroying the Constitution of United States," said Sarwat Husain, president of the Council on American-Islamic Relations San Antonio chapter, while protesting.
ACT for America San Antonio would not let KSAT into the meeting.
Pastor Steve Branson could not explain why the local group would not comment, but cited recent national negative media coverage as a possible reason. Speaking on their behalf, Branson said about 150 people attended.
"If it was a hate group, they would not be allowed in here," Branson said.