The brokenhearted father of a Marine killed in Iraq won a long-shot legal fight today after a federal jury in Baltimore awarded him nearly $11 million in a verdict against members of a Kansas church who hoisted anti-gay placards at his son's Westminster funeral.
The jury's announcement 24 hours after deliberations first began was met with tears and hugs from the family and supporters of Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, whose March 2006 funeral was protested by members of the Westboro Baptist Church with signs including "Thank God for dead soldiers."...Read More on the BaltimoreSun.com...
More info, this time in the form of video, for those still unfamiliar...
First, an hour long BBC Documentary with Louis Theroux who spent two weeks with the Westboro Cult last year.
And Second, Michael Moore having a little bit of fun.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. These people have taken their right to free speech much too far...by tormenting the grieving families of the very people who fight to protect their rights. A professor of mine once said that "You have the right to swing your arm. Your right stops where the tip of my nose begins."
Thank God the jury showed some sense. How that so-called "church" can display such cruelty and call it Christianity is beyond me. I'm glad the family of the soldier took them to court. Even if they never pay a cent, hopefully it'll cost them every dime they have to fight the ruling.
Pat Mann at 10:43PM on Oct 31st 2007
2. Phelps is pretty much the poster boy for self-loathing. And, before people bark that this ruling is against Phelps' First Amendment rights, do keep in mind that this lawsuit was for compensation for personal damages, and not to suppress Phelps' insane rhetoric.
Dan at 9:13PM on Oct 31st 2007
3. The bible clearly states we are all sinners. Romans 3:10 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". That includes Mr. Phelps. Being a fundamental Baptist, I was very upset when I read the story. I am sure I read "Let him without sin throw the first stone" Oh yeah, that was Jesus with the woman at the well.
Christiangirl at 9:45PM on Oct 31st 2007
4. Sadly, the poor parents of that brave service man killed in Iraq will never collect a thing from those sick, backwards, and probably penneyless self-claimed theists. It should leave all of us wondering IF there is a God, where was he when he made these people?
a nonbeliever at 10:49PM on Oct 31st 2007
5. Well, I suppose if this judgment holds up through the appeals, I'd imagine Albert Snyder, the father of the fallen Marine and victim of the WBC's vicious hectoring will probably have a rather handy lien to use. I say turn that church into an adult video store.
Then again, I am a fan of poetic justice.
Dan at 11:35PM on Oct 31st 2007
6. The 'nut case' church was going to protest at a memorial service for local Marine who died in Iraq. That was until they learned that a local motorcycle group was going to provide parking security.
Ed at 11:47PM on Oct 31st 2007
7. Any politically active church MUST have its tax exemption eliminated and start paying taxes and stop being subsidized by taxpayers. Why has this not happened? It’s the law! The U.S. is NOT a godless nation. The separation of church and state in America means the state cannot sponsor, mandate, or support any religion. America was founded on Judeo-Christian principals and the laws of the nation and states are based on the Ten Commandments. The government in America is the citizens; it’s not a separate entity from the people. The government must remain secular, as all religions are a dogma. See http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl
Dr Coles at 1:01PM on Nov 1st 2007