SNOQUALMIE, Wash. -- About 250 protesters and counter-protesters have been yelling and arguing outside Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie about gay and lesbian students.

Student organizers say the Day of Silence supports students who fear retaliation because of their sexual orientation.

A protest against the Day of Silence organized by the Rev. Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church in Redmond drew about 100 followers. He had placed a newspaper ad summoning "prayer warriors" to his protest.

Some parents have kept students home from classes on Friday to avoid both the demonstration and counter-demonstration. KIRO 7 reporter Michelle Millman says 500 students are absent Friday, a 33% absentee rate according to school officials.

Hutcherson, who has a daughter at the school, says any gay rights demonstrations should have been before or after classes.

A parents group also assembled to show their support for the students taking part in the silent demonstration.