Judge temporarily stops funeral protest law

bruno

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These are some misguided folks. I guess they have the right to protest anything, but my hopes for these miserable clowns are not printable. What kind of a Christian would do this? Surely not ones versed in Christian life and living as taught in the Bible. Rather than berating him as a representative of a government and society totally divorced from Biblical morals, in the Gospel of Luke Christ extolls the Centurion as the epitome of faith ("in all Israel I have found no one with a faith such as this") and heals his servant.
I pray that these soldier's families have one last chance to reflect on their soldiers sacrifice in peace and that these fools are squashed by the weight of an outraged public.
From the Army Times:
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Apr 15, 2009 6:42:31 EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City suburb of Gladstone temporarily has been barred from enforcing a funeral protest ordinance.

The Kansas City Star is reporting on its Web site that a Kansas City federal judge issued the ruling Tuesday.

Shirley L. Phelps-Roper of the Westboro Baptist Church requested the order pending a ruling on the constitutionality of the city’s ordinance that prohibits protests at soldiers’ funerals.

The Topeka, Kan., church has protested at military funerals nationwide because it believes U.S. troop deaths are punishment for the nation’s tolerance of homosexuality.

Legal challenges also have been filed over a similar Missouri law as well as funeral protest ordinances in St. Joseph and Smithville. But the Smithville suit was dropped last month when the city repealed its funeral picketing ordinance.
 
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These :rant2::rant2::rant2: protested at one of my friends' memorial service (NIU shooting victim). It's hard for me to have ANY sympathy for their little cult. I wish they'd do something stupid, and get sued into oblivion. Unfortunately, they have a few decent lawyers amongst them.

As much as I loathe them, I can't condone unconstitutional laws. I really hope there is a just and legal way to stop their protests.
 
What I don't get is why "protest" at a funeral? Just to create hate and anger I suppose? Protest in front of the capital or somewhere else. Not during a sacred memorial honoring someones life... It is strange... Way beyond me...
 
Speech, no matter how painful or offensive, deserves to remain free.
 
I wish they'd do something stupid, and get sued into oblivion.

They did, and they were. However, I think that when it eventually reaches the SCOTUS it will be overturned.

Maryland Judge Reduces Lawsuit Damages that Westboro Baptist Church Must Pay for Protesting Fallen Soldier's Funeral

Feb 7, 2008

A federal Judge in Maryland reduced the amount of damages that Westboro Baptist Church must pay to the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, a fallen Marine whose funeral the church had picketed.

A Maryland jury had originally awarded Cpl. Snyder's father, Albert Snyder, $10.9 million last October: $2.9 million for compensatory damages, $6 million in punitive damages for invasion of privacy, and $2 million for emotional distress. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Bennett ordered the award amount decreased to $5 million on.

Albert Snyder had filed the lawsuit against the church last year, citing invasion of privacy and emotional distress. He said that the picketers presence ruined what should have been a private ceremony for his son.

Cpl. Synder died in Iraq. During his funeral in Maryland on March 2006, Westboro Baptist Church members protested outside, with signs.

Judge Bennett said that Monday's ruling was based in part on the financial resources of the church. Financial records submitted to the court indicate that Fred Phelps, the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, and his daughters Shirley Phelps-Roper and Rebekah Phelps-Davis have a combined net worth of under $1 million. They are seeking to delay payment of the judgment.
 
Speech, no matter how painful or offensive, deserves to remain free.
That's not freedom of speech, that's not freedom of assembly, and that sure as :rant2: is not protected under the Constitution!
I agree with those who say, "Why protest a FUNERAL?" I mean, all you are doing is showing an immense disrespect for the dead, our soldiers, and our country. Go write an article or have a rally.But for God's sake, and the well-earned rest of those who served, leave them in peace!

A protest by definition is saying, "Hey, this shouldn't be taking place!" So what they are saying is, "Hey, these people don't deserve to be buried!" Or at least, "They don't deserve to have a peaceful burial!"
That is the message sent, and if the one these groups want to send is any different, they need to change their tactic.

I can't think of anything to describe, except maybe "disrespectful." Or "rude." Or "downright outrageous."
:mad::hammer::blowup::unhappy:
 
We have rights and we have responsibilities. One is guaranteed by law, one is basic human decency. These people are exercising one and lacking the other. :unhappy:

I hope the Patriot Guard Riders also exercise their right as well :smile:
 
That's not freedom of speech, that's not freedom of assembly, and that sure as :rant2: is not protected under the Constitution!

Explain why you believe repugnant speech is not protected under the US Constitution.

I'm very interested to know how you come to that conclusion.
 
I am a Christian, and I don't understand some people of my own faith. Christians are supposed to be Christ-like. That is what it is about. Jesus would have never protested at a funeral, let alone a soldiers funeral. Just because our country does something you don't like doesn't mean that you should take your anger out on soldiers and their families. I know that they have freedom of speech, but they should practice it elsewhere. I really hope that this does not affect your views towards any other Christians.
 
Those A-holes at the Westboro Bapts church are just horrible.. and they are why both my hubby and myself are members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

I was traveling last year and was wearing my Motorcycle jean jacket, I was humbled when a Soldier in Uniform approched me in the airport, grabbed my hand and said .. Thank you for what you do to honor us... I almost started crying... (ha, tough biker)... I took his hand again and thanked him for his service to our country... IT WAS an awesome moment.....

P.S. REMEMBER WE MUST BE INVITED TO A FUNERAL BY the family..... ONLY THEN WILL THE GUARD RIDE IN with FLAGS A WAVING so no invite they do not attend... the Guard will usually block the protesters.. so that the family doesnt have to see them or hear them.....

PGR_header.jpg


For those of you who don't know what we do:

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.



The Patriot Guard....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwigMTjup70&feature=related
 
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Thank you, J Collins!

That's the problem with the WBC...if we restrict their speech because we don't like it, we abandon the very principles we seek to protect. That's why I hope they do something else (libel, slander, simple assault, etc) where they can be stopped without abandoning the values which make our country strong.
They're disrespectful (and destroying the principles of the religion they claim to follow), but they are not ignorant of the applicable laws (in most cases).
 
J Collins... I forgot you were a Patriot Guard Rider... thank you.
 
What kind of a Christian would do this?

Just because they call themselves Christian doesn't mean they are.

There is a very special place in hell reserved especially for these people. :mad:
 
Just because they call themselves Christian doesn't mean they are.

Exactly right. There has probably been more killing, torture, and suffering committed in the name of religion (including Christianity) than for any other reason in history.

Very dangerous is the cause that believes they have their God on their side only.
 
There has probably been more killing, torture, and suffering committed in the name of religion (including Christianity) than for any other reason in history.

Except for aethism (Communism) and its near-brothers (Fascism).
 
I heard it said that someone's freedom stops where another's begins... Freedom of speech, of course. Freedom to burry you fallen soldier in peace: an absolute right. So, they can protest aLL they want, as long as they respect the freedom of these families to bury their loved one with dignity.

I CAN NOT FATHOM THE HORROR OF HAVING TO BURY MY CHILD, WHO DIED GIVING UP HIS/HER LIFE SO THAT THESE SAD CLOWS CAN CARRY SIGNS FULL OF HATRED AT HIS/HER FUNERAL....:bang: THEY ARE SO MISGUIDED, SO DECEIVED...

THERE IS NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER FOR WHAT THEY ARE DOING. AND YES, WE SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM THESE FOOLS, 1ST AMENDMENT WAS NEVER INTENDED FOR THIS MASQUARADE!:thumbdown:
 
PGR (over 140 strong) lined the road and escorted my nephews casket to the grave when he died the week he returned from Iraq.

A few protesters had made "noise" that they heard a solder died and they'd be there...

I'm guessing the HUGE line of bikers with flags...over 1 mile in length...must have dissuaded them.

Good thing too...I might have been forced to disgrace my uniform; something I haven't done...well, ever.

My brother-in-law (it was his son) is now a HUGE PGR guy and the head of the Old Guard Riders.

Nope...I greatly respect the PGR folks!!! :thumb:
 
MANY, MANY THANKS FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING, ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM. NEVER KNEW ABOUT YOU BEFORE... AWE:thumb:SOME


Those A-holes at the Westboro Bapts church are just horrible.. and they are why both my hubby and myself are members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

I was traveling last year and was wearing my Motorcycle jean jacket, I was humbled when a Soldier in Uniform approched me in the airport, grabbed my hand and said .. Thank you for what you do to honor us... I almost started crying... (ha, tough biker)... I took his hand again and thanked him for his service to our country... IT WAS an awesome moment.....

P.S. REMEMBER WE MUST BE INVITED TO A FUNERAL BY the family..... ONLY THEN WILL THE GUARD RIDE IN with FLAGS A WAVING so no invite they do not attend... the Guard will usually block the protesters.. so that the family doesnt have to see them or hear them.....

PGR_header.jpg


For those of you who don't know what we do:

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.



The Patriot Guard....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwigMTjup70&feature=related
 
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