Fred Phelps, the anti-gay activist from the United States, failed to show up for his own demonstration outside the Supreme Court of Canada Monday.

Phelps said he would show up in front of the Supreme Court building to burn a Canadian flag in protest against a decision to allow equal benefits to same-sex couples.

Police were prepared for a counter-demonstration, as hundreds of gay activists showed up.

No explanation has been given for Phelps' no-show.