Washington (CNN) - A Kansas church that attracted nationwide attention for its angry, anti-gay protests at the funerals of U.S. military members has won its appeal at the Supreme Court, an issue testing the competing constitutional rights of free speech and privacy.
The justices, by an 8-1 vote, said Wednesday that members of Westboro Baptist Church had a right to promote what they call a broad-based message on public matters such as wars. The father of a fallen Marine had sued the small church, saying those protests amounted to targeted harassment and an intentional infliction of emotional distress.
FULL STORY
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
It isn't highly surprising, but this church isn't really just anti-gay .. they are anti-American .. they are a hateful bunch that just want attention.
sad...sad...sad... i wonder if there is ever to much freedom speech...drip ...drip..drip...the tearing down of america...drip..drip..
I'm protesting Fred Phelps' funeral when he finally croaks.
Now, this is something that even Republicans will agree with me on...
Let them free speech all they want, but also let the HeII's Angels, who volunteer to guard some of these funerals of heroes go to work on these freaks with a pair of pliers and a blowtorch....
Unbelievable. Those 'church' members will surely burn in 'their' hell.
eight to one? Really? What about the "Clear and present danger" exception? If these unChristian morons do not represent a danger who does? I want to know who the eight is so I may thank him or her for remembering that "clear an present danger" thing.
Very dangerous business, protesting military funerals on the side of the road. Cars are such unpredictable machines, they can veer out of control and sharply swerve so easily...
These are the end of days....What happened to America?
The justices, by an 8-1 vote, said members of Westboro Baptist Church had a right to promote what they call a broad-based message on public matters such as wars, but it is not a protest, it is simply and purely hatred to anything they do not like. Thank you oh wise ones who can never see the truth. It so great to justices that are simply morons.
"This would be the best of all worlds if there was no religion in it." – John Adams
"Christianity is the most perverted system that ever shown on mankind" -Thomas Jefferson
I could go on with many more quotes........
You Christians are destroying this country, there is no other point of view on this issue, it is an absolute. The founding fathers thought it back then, and it still holds true today. The USA is NOT the greatest country in the world anymore, and never will be again until the veil of religion is removed from this countries face. Until then, you have no one to blame but yourselves for every "issue" in this country. Look at how a Theocracy is working for Iran, that is where this country is headed and most of you are too stupid realize it.
What an embarassement to this country. The Church AND the ruling.
A protest is a protest and everyone has that right, but want they do by having signs with racial slurs and voicing bigotry is pure hatred. Do they remember they wanted to protest the little girls death in the Arizona shooting? Please spare me, they preach nothing but hatred, for god-sake there all basically relatives brainwashed by there so-called leader, that sounds like a cult.
I'm in defense of free speech, however, this church group is going over the line when going after funeral families and friends of a deceased soldier. There has to be a limit on this kind of free speech.
The decision is Constitutionally sound, as repulsive as these religious deviates are, they have the right to freedom of assembly.
Apparently the Koch Brothers didn't pay Scalia and Thomas to vote against Westboro.
This is really screwed up... I support all the amendments including the right to gather for peaceful protest and the right to voice your opinion, but this is outrageous. These hateful people have nothing whatsoever to do with legitimate religion and do not deserve the tax break given them for their "church." If they knew anything about Jesus they'd know that Love, not hate, conquers all, and God is the only true judge of man. Shameful. Just shameful.
Can't say I'm surprised
The court basically had its hands tied, as despicable as the words are people still have the right to say them, that being said I still think the father should have the right to sue for damages, being free to speak doesn't mean you don't get to be held responsible for the words
according the the picture CNN posted they and God hates America. So why are they even here then, leave? I know God can be vengeful and loving, but know God hates, that in itself is just stupid for any religion to think or preach.
I am a follower of Christ and I abhor what Westboro does. They are sick!!!
Unbelievable. Way to go Supreme Court. Let's see how any of you feel when these low-lifes arrive at a funeral of one
of your family members who was killed in line of duty. Oh, sorry, you probably don't have any family members in the Military
serving active duty.
The justices, by an 8-1 vote, said members of Westboro Baptist Church had a right to promote what they call a broad-based message on public matters such as wars, but it is not a protest, it is simply and purely hatred to anything they do not like. Thank you oh wise ones who can never see the truth. It so great to justices that are simply morons.
Garbage garbage garbage! These people have no idea what following Jesus is about. God bless the military families who have lost a loved one.
And what have they got against The Guy? Why is Guy Fawkes on their poster? Just proves their stupidity...
Those people are cowards hiding behind laws that let them spread messages of hate after a man is dead. He gave his life for this country and family he should be respected.
They have the right to protest but not at a funeral and the inflamatory signs are too much we dont protest them we need to protect our military not protest them . What if we stopped protecting you all who have no clue what we face covering your asses
Not a fan of their message, or religion at all, but this is a very good verdict. I wonder who the one justice was that dissented.