Westboro Baptist Church: Difference between revisions
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The '''Westboro Baptist Church''' ('''WBC''') is an | The '''Westboro Baptist Church''' ('''WBC''') is an American unaffiliated Baptist church known for its extreme ideologies, especially those against gay people. The church is widely described as a hate group and is monitored as such by the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center. It is headed by Fred Phelps and consists primarily of members of his large family; in 2011, the church stated that it had about 40 members. The church is headquartered in a residential neighborhood on the west side of Topeka about three miles (5 km) west of the Kansas State Capitol. Its first public service was held on the afternoon of November 27, 1955. | ||
The church has been involved in actions against [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality gay people] since at least 1991, when it sought a crackdown on homosexual activity at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gage_Park,_Topeka Gage Park] six blocks northwest of the church. In addition to conducting [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-LGBT_rhetoric anti-gay] protests at military funerals, the organization pickets other celebrity funerals and public events that are likely to get it media attention. Protests have also been held against Jews and some protests have included WBC members [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_desecration#United_States stomping] on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States American flag]. | The church has been involved in actions against [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality gay people] since at least 1991, when it sought a crackdown on homosexual activity at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gage_Park,_Topeka Gage Park] six blocks northwest of the church. In addition to conducting [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-LGBT_rhetoric anti-gay] protests at military funerals, the organization pickets other celebrity funerals and public events that are likely to get it media attention. Protests have also been held against Jews and some protests have included WBC members [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_desecration#United_States stomping] on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States American flag]. | ||
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Founder Fred Phelps is a veteran of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_%281955%E2%80%931968%29 Civil Rights movement] in the 1960s. The Church's disapproval of racism and the use of physical violence by groups such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Nazism neo-Nazis] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan KKK] is stated on its website. According to the site's FAQ page, "we don't believe in physical violence of any kind, and the Scripture doesn't support racism. ... The only true Nazis in this world are fags." | Founder Fred Phelps is a veteran of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_%281955%E2%80%931968%29 Civil Rights movement] in the 1960s. The Church's disapproval of racism and the use of physical violence by groups such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Nazism neo-Nazis] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan KKK] is stated on its website. According to the site's FAQ page, "we don't believe in physical violence of any kind, and the Scripture doesn't support racism. ... The only true Nazis in this world are fags." | ||
The Church has previously condemned particular nations, such as Italy, which it described as a nation of "mobster-breeding perverts" | The Church has previously condemned particular nations, such as Italy, which it described as a nation of "mobster-breeding perverts" and Australia, which it describes as the "land of the sodomite damned". | ||
===Views on Barack Obama=== | ===Views on Barack Obama=== | ||
The Westboro Baptist Church believes that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama Barack Obama] is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist Antichrist] and that he forms an unholy trinity with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan Satan] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI Pope Benedict XVI], whom they believe is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_Prophet False Prophet]. | The Westboro Baptist Church believes that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama Barack Obama] is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist Antichrist] and that he forms an unholy trinity with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan Satan] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI Pope Benedict XVI], whom they believe is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_Prophet False Prophet]. | ||
Margie Phelps, daughter of pastor Fred Phelps and attorney for WBC, said in an interview with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News_Channel Fox News] that Obama is "absolutely" going to Hell and that he is "most likely the Beast spoken of in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Revelation Revelation]". She also said Obama's presidency is a sign of the Apocalypse. | Margie Phelps, daughter of pastor Fred Phelps and attorney for WBC, said in an interview with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News_Channel Fox News] that Obama is "absolutely" going to Hell and that he is "most likely the Beast spoken of in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Revelation Revelation]". She also said Obama's presidency is a sign of the Apocalypse. | ||
==Responses== | ==Responses== | ||
===Laws limiting funeral protests=== | ===Laws limiting funeral protests=== | ||
In response to the protests conducted by Westboro members at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana Indiana] funerals, a bill was introduced in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_General_Assembly Indiana General Assembly] that would make it a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felony felony] to protest within 500 feet (150 m) of a funeral. The bill provides penalties of up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for those found to be in violation of the law. Shortly before this bill was signed members of the church had threatened to protest in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokomo,_Indiana Kokomo, Indiana], at a funeral service that was being held for a soldier who was killed in Iraq. On January 11, 2006, the bill unanimously (11–0) passed a committee vote, | In response to the protests conducted by Westboro members at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana Indiana] funerals, a bill was introduced in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_General_Assembly Indiana General Assembly] that would make it a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felony felony] to protest within 500 feet (150 m) of a funeral. The bill provides penalties of up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for those found to be in violation of the law. Shortly before this bill was signed members of the church had threatened to protest in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokomo,_Indiana Kokomo, Indiana], at a funeral service that was being held for a soldier who was killed in Iraq. On January 11, 2006, the bill unanimously (11–0) passed a committee vote, and while members of the church had traveled to Kokomo to protest, they were not seen during or after the funeral service. On May 23, 2006, the state of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan Michigan] banned any intentional disruption of funerals within 500 feet (150 m) of the ceremony. Violating the statute would be a felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine for the first offense and up to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine for a subsequent offense. | ||
On May 17, 2006, the state of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois] enacted Senate Bill 1144, the "Let Them Rest In Peace Act", to shield grieving military families from protests during funerals and memorial services of fallen military service members. A first-time violation of the Act is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, which is punishable by one to three years in state prison and a fine of up to $25,000.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-104">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church#cite_note-104 [104]]</sup> | On May 17, 2006, the state of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois] enacted Senate Bill 1144, the "Let Them Rest In Peace Act", to shield grieving military families from protests during funerals and memorial services of fallen military service members. A first-time violation of the Act is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense, which is punishable by one to three years in state prison and a fine of up to $25,000.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-104">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church#cite_note-104 [104]]</sup> | ||
On May 29, 2006, President [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush George W. Bush] signed into law the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_for_America%27s_Fallen_Heroes_Act Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act] ([http://www.law.cornell.edu/jureeka/index.php?doc=USPubLaws&cong=109&no=228 Pub.L. 109–228]), prohibiting protests within 300 feet (91 m) of the entrance of any cemetery under control of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cemetery_Administration National Cemetery Administration] from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. | On May 29, 2006, President [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush George W. Bush] signed into law the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_for_America%27s_Fallen_Heroes_Act Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act] ([http://www.law.cornell.edu/jureeka/index.php?doc=USPubLaws&cong=109&no=228 Pub.L. 109–228]), prohibiting protests within 300 feet (91 m) of the entrance of any cemetery under control of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cemetery_Administration National Cemetery Administration] from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. Penalties for violating the act are up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment. The bill garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress with a 408–3 vote in the House, with 21 not voting, and a unanimous vote in the Senate. | ||
On January 11, 2011, the state of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona Arizona] held an emergency legislative session to pass a bill barring protests within 300 feet (91 m) of a funeral and within an hour from its beginning or end. The bill was swiftly signed into law ahead of the January 12 funeral of those killed in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tucson_shooting 2011 Tucson shooting]. | On January 11, 2011, the state of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona Arizona] held an emergency legislative session to pass a bill barring protests within 300 feet (91 m) of a funeral and within an hour from its beginning or end. The bill was swiftly signed into law ahead of the January 12 funeral of those killed in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tucson_shooting 2011 Tucson shooting]. | ||
On August 2, 2012, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress Congress] passed a bill that included restrictions on demonstrators at military funerals, which became law four days later when signed by President Obama. The bill says that for 2 hours before until 2 hours after the funeral service demonstrators must stay at least 300 feet (91 m) away from the boundary of the funeral location and away from the residence of grieving family members. | On August 2, 2012, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress Congress] passed a bill that included restrictions on demonstrators at military funerals, which became law four days later when signed by President Obama. The bill says that for 2 hours before until 2 hours after the funeral service demonstrators must stay at least 300 feet (91 m) away from the boundary of the funeral location and away from the residence of grieving family members. | ||
===Supreme Court case=== | ===Supreme Court case=== | ||
Main article: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snyder_v._Phelps Snyder v. Phelps]On March 10, 2006, WBC picketed the funeral of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine Marine] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Corporal Lance Corporal] Matthew A. Snyder in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminister,_Maryland Westminister, Maryland]. | Main article: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snyder_v._Phelps Snyder v. Phelps]On March 10, 2006, WBC picketed the funeral of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine Marine] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Corporal Lance Corporal] Matthew A. Snyder in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminister,_Maryland Westminister, Maryland]. The picket was held in a location cordoned off by the police, approximately 1,000 feet (300 m) from the Church, for about 30 minutes before the funeral began. On June 5, 2006, the Snyder family sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit named Albert Snyder, Matthew Snyder's father, as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaintiff plaintiff] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps Fred W. Phelps], Sr.; Westboro Baptist Church, Inc.; Rebekah Phelps-Davis; and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Phelps-Roper Shirley Phelps-Roper] as defendants, alleging that they were responsible for publishing defamatory information about the Snyder family on the Internet, including statements that Albert and his wife had "raised [Matthew] for the devil" and taught him "to defy his Creator, to divorce, and to commit adultery". Other statements denounced them for raising their son Catholic. Snyder further complained the defendants had intruded upon and staged protests at his son's funeral. The claims of invasion of privacy and defamation arising from comments posted about Snyder on the Westboro website were dismissed on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution First Amendment] grounds, but the case proceeded to trial on the remaining three counts.<span style="font-size:11px;line-height:0px;"> </span>At the trial, Albert Snyder testified: | ||
They turned this funeral into a media circus and they wanted to hurt my family. They wanted their message heard and they didn't care who they stepped over. My son should have been buried with dignity, not with a bunch of clowns outside.< | They turned this funeral into a media circus and they wanted to hurt my family. They wanted their message heard and they didn't care who they stepped over. My son should have been buried with dignity, not with a bunch of clowns outside.<span style="font-size:11px;line-height:0px;"> </span>In his instructions to the jury, U.S. District Judge [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_D._Bennett Richard D. Bennett] stated that the First Amendment protection of free speech has limits, including vulgar, offensive and shocking statements, and that the jury must decide "whether the defendant's actions would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, whether they were extreme and outrageous and whether these actions were so offensive and shocking as to not be entitled to First Amendment protection".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church#cite_note-117 [117]]</sup> See also [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplinsky_v._New_Hampshire Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire], a case where certain personal slurs and obscene utterances by an individual were found unworthy of First Amendment protection, due to the potential for violence resulting from their utterance. | ||
On October 31, 2007, WBC, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps Fred Phelps] and his two daughters, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Phelps-Roper Shirley Phelps-Roper] and Rebecca Phelps-Davis, were found liable for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A federal jury awarded Snyder $2.9 million in compensatory damages, then later added a decision to award $6 million in punitive damages for invasion of privacy and an additional $2 million for causing emotional distress (a total of $10,900,000). The organization said it would not change its message because of the verdict.< | On October 31, 2007, WBC, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps Fred Phelps] and his two daughters, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Phelps-Roper Shirley Phelps-Roper] and Rebecca Phelps-Davis, were found liable for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A federal jury awarded Snyder $2.9 million in compensatory damages, then later added a decision to award $6 million in punitive damages for invasion of privacy and an additional $2 million for causing emotional distress (a total of $10,900,000). The organization said it would not change its message because of the verdict.<span style="font-size:11px;line-height:0px;"> </span>WBC said that it was thankful for the verdict, but also unsuccessfully sought a mistrial (based on alleged prejudicial statements made by the judge and violations of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gag_order gag order] by the plaintiff's attorney) and also filed an appeal. | ||
On February 4, 2008, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett upheld the ruling, but reduced the punitive damages from $8 million to $2.1 million, bringing the total judgment to $5 million. | On February 4, 2008, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett upheld the ruling, but reduced the punitive damages from $8 million to $2.1 million, bringing the total judgment to $5 million. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lien Liens] were ordered on church buildings and Phelps' law office in an attempt to ensure that the damages would be paid. | ||
On September 24, 2009, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of Westboro Baptist Church and reversed the lower court's award. It found their picket near the funeral is protected speech because it involves "matters of public concern, including the issues of homosexuals in the military, the sex-abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, and the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens", and did not violate the privacy of the service member's family. | On September 24, 2009, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of Westboro Baptist Church and reversed the lower court's award. It found their picket near the funeral is protected speech because it involves "matters of public concern, including the issues of homosexuals in the military, the sex-abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, and the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens", and did not violate the privacy of the service member's family. On March 30, 2010, the appeals court ordered Albert Snyder to pay the church's court costs of over $16,000, a move that Snyder's attorney's referred to as "adding insult to injury". The decision has led to nationwide support for Snyder, with over 3,000 promises for donations to help offset the cost; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundit_%28expert%29 political commentator] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_O%27Reilly_%28political_commentator%29 Bill O'Reilly] offered to pay the entire amount of the costs on March 30. The American Legion has also raised $17,000 to help pay Snyder's court costs. | ||
On March 8, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court granted [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certiorari certiorari] in ''Snyder v. Phelps'', (Docket No. 09-751, March 8, 2010). | On March 8, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court granted [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certiorari certiorari] in ''Snyder v. Phelps'', (Docket No. 09-751, March 8, 2010). On May 28, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senate_Majority_Leader Senate Majority Leader] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Reid Harry Reid], joined by 42 other Senators, filed an ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amicus_curiae amicus]'' brief in support of Snyder with the Supreme Court. On June 1, Kansas Attorney General [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Six Stephen Six] filed a separate brief supporting Snyder. This brief was joined by the Attorneys General of 47 other states and the District of Columbia, with Maine and Virginia being the two exceptions. Several news and civil rights organizations filed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amicus_curiae amicus briefs] in support of Phelps, including the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_Liberties_Union American Civil Liberties Union], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reporters_Committee_for_Freedom_of_the_Press Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press], and twenty one other media organizations. | ||
In an 8–1 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Phelps on March 2, 2011. Chief Justice [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Roberts John Roberts] wrote the majority opinion stating: "What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous." | In an 8–1 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Phelps on March 2, 2011. Chief Justice [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Roberts John Roberts] wrote the majority opinion stating: "What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous." Justice [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Alito Samuel Alito], the lone dissenter, said Snyder wanted only to "bury his son in peace". Instead, Alito said, the protesters "brutally attacked" Matthew Snyder to attract public attention. "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case," he said. | ||
===Other legal responses=== | ===Other legal responses=== | ||
On July 14, 2006, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundy_Township,_Michigan Mundy Township, Michigan] billed the WBC for $5,000. The Westboro church had informed township authorities on June 28 that a protest was planned at the Swartz Funeral Home. The bill to the church ensued, according to the local police chief, because the congregation failed to keep a verbal contract for security. Fred Phelps' daughter claimed that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Ghost Holy Ghost] had informed them not to fly to Michigan even though they had already purchased airline tickets. Security at the Webb funeral was high; 15 fire trucks were involved, as well as numerous police officers from nearby jurisdictions. The township has now stated that it will not pursue the matter. | On July 14, 2006, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundy_Township,_Michigan Mundy Township, Michigan] billed the WBC for $5,000. The Westboro church had informed township authorities on June 28 that a protest was planned at the Swartz Funeral Home. The bill to the church ensued, according to the local police chief, because the congregation failed to keep a verbal contract for security. Fred Phelps' daughter claimed that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Ghost Holy Ghost] had informed them not to fly to Michigan even though they had already purchased airline tickets. Security at the Webb funeral was high; 15 fire trucks were involved, as well as numerous police officers from nearby jurisdictions. The township has now stated that it will not pursue the matter. | ||
===Canadian entry ban=== | ===Canadian entry ban=== | ||
In August 2008, Canadian officials learned of the WBC's intent to stage a protest at the funeral of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg] man murdered on a bus. The protests intended to convey the message that the man's murder was God's response to Canadian laws permitting abortion, homosexuality, divorce and remarriage. In response, Canadian officials barred the church's members from entering the country. | In August 2008, Canadian officials learned of the WBC's intent to stage a protest at the funeral of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg] man murdered on a bus. The protests intended to convey the message that the man's murder was God's response to Canadian laws permitting abortion, homosexuality, divorce and remarriage. In response, Canadian officials barred the church's members from entering the country. | ||
===UK entry ban=== | ===UK entry ban=== | ||
In February 2009, UK news | In February 2009, UK news sources discovered that WBC had announced on their website that they intended to picket a youth production of ''The Laramie Project'' to be held at Central Studio, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Mary%27s_College Queen Mary's College] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basingstoke Basingstoke] on February 20, 2009. This would have been their first ever picket in the UK. | ||
On the lead-up to the picket, a number of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Parliament MPs], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobby_group lobby groups] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT LGBT] groups appealed to the UK's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Secretary Home Secretary], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqui_Smith Jacqui Smith], | On the lead-up to the picket, a number of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Parliament MPs], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobby_group lobby groups] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT LGBT] groups appealed to the UK's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Secretary Home Secretary], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqui_Smith Jacqui Smith], requesting these individuals be blocked from entering the UK, on the basis that WBC would be inciting hatred towards LGBT people. On February 18, 2009, two days before the intended picket date, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Office Home Office] announced that [http://real-life-villains.wikia.com/wiki/Fred_Phelps Fred Phelps] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Phelps-Roper Shirley Phelps-Roper] would be specifically [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_individuals_banned_from_entering_the_United_Kingdom excluded from entering the UK] for having "engaged in unacceptable behaviour by inciting hatred against a number of communities", and that "other church members could also be flagged and stopped if they tried to enter Britain". | ||
An alliance of six UK religious groups (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist_Union_of_Great_Britain Baptist Union of Great Britain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Alliance Evangelical Alliance] UK, Faithworks, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist_Church_of_Great_Britain Methodist Church of Great Britain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Reformed_Church United Reformed Church] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_and_Foreign_Bible_Society Bible Society]-funded thinktank [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theos_%28think_tank%29 Theos]) made a joint statement on February 19, 2009 in support of the government's decision and condemning the activities of the Westboro Baptist Church saying, "We do not share [Westboro's] hatred of lesbian and gay people. We believe that God loves all, irrespective of sexual orientation, and we unreservedly stand against their message of hate toward those communities." | An alliance of six UK religious groups (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist_Union_of_Great_Britain Baptist Union of Great Britain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Alliance Evangelical Alliance] UK, Faithworks, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist_Church_of_Great_Britain Methodist Church of Great Britain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Reformed_Church United Reformed Church] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_and_Foreign_Bible_Society Bible Society]-funded thinktank [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theos_%28think_tank%29 Theos]) made a joint statement on February 19, 2009 in support of the government's decision and condemning the activities of the Westboro Baptist Church saying, "We do not share [Westboro's] hatred of lesbian and gay people. We believe that God loves all, irrespective of sexual orientation, and we unreservedly stand against their message of hate toward those communities." | ||
===Counter protests=== | ===Counter protests=== | ||
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In May 2011, representatives of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan Ku Klux Klan] distanced themselves from the church, denouncing them as "hatemongers". | In May 2011, representatives of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan Ku Klux Klan] distanced themselves from the church, denouncing them as "hatemongers". | ||
In response to WBC's announcement that they would picket the vigil for victims of the December 14, 2012 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting], several petitions to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House White House] (using the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_the_People_%28petitioning_system%29 We the People] system) have been submitted, calling on the President to legally recognize WBC as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_group hate group], revoke its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_exemption_for_religious_organizations tax exemption for religious organizations], and to ban protests at funerals and memorial services. One petition, backed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacktivist hacktivist] group [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymous_%28group%29 Anonymous], was submitted the day of the shootings, and reached more than 75,000 signatures within two days. | In response to WBC's announcement that they would picket the vigil for victims of the December 14, 2012 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting], several petitions to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House White House] (using the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_the_People_%28petitioning_system%29 We the People] system) have been submitted, calling on the President to legally recognize WBC as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_group hate group], revoke its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_exemption_for_religious_organizations tax exemption for religious organizations], and to ban protests at funerals and memorial services. One petition, backed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacktivist hacktivist] group [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymous_%28group%29 Anonymous], was submitted the day of the shootings, and reached more than 75,000 signatures within two days. | ||
Rapper [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_Lethal Mac Lethal] uploaded a video titled "Beatbox + iPhone + Guitar + Fast Rap = Win By Mac Lethal" on December 18, 2012 that took inspiration from the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church and the media after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Some of the lyrics include: | Rapper [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_Lethal Mac Lethal] uploaded a video titled "Beatbox + iPhone + Guitar + Fast Rap = Win By Mac Lethal" on December 18, 2012 that took inspiration from the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church and the media after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Some of the lyrics include: | ||
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In 2001, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundance_Channel_%28United_States%29 Sundance Channel] aired the film ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Union_in_Wait A Union in Wait]'', a documentary about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage same-sex marriage] directed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Butler Ryan Butler]. Phelps and members of Westboro Baptist Church appeared in the film after Phelps picketed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Forest_Baptist_Church Wake Forest Baptist Church] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Forest_University Wake Forest University] over a proposed same-sex union ceremony. | In 2001, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundance_Channel_%28United_States%29 Sundance Channel] aired the film ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Union_in_Wait A Union in Wait]'', a documentary about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage same-sex marriage] directed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Butler Ryan Butler]. Phelps and members of Westboro Baptist Church appeared in the film after Phelps picketed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Forest_Baptist_Church Wake Forest Baptist Church] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Forest_University Wake Forest University] over a proposed same-sex union ceremony. | ||
In 2005, the British satellite company [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Sky_Broadcasting British Sky Broadcasting] produced an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigative_journalism investigative] piece using [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_camera hidden cameras], which included footage of two of Phelps' granddaughters, Libby and Jael. | In 2005, the British satellite company [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Sky_Broadcasting British Sky Broadcasting] produced an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigative_journalism investigative] piece using [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_camera hidden cameras], which included footage of two of Phelps' granddaughters, Libby and Jael. In the testimonial, Libby and Jael explain that they hope and pray that no one outside of Westboro becomes "elect",<span style="font-size:11px;line-height:0px;"> </span>because they want everyone else in the world to die horribly and burn in Hell, and that even if they did not believe their actions were dictated by God, they would still do and enjoy them anyway.<span style="font-size:11px;line-height:0px;"> </span>The interview was not part of the hidden camera segment, and although much of the footage was taken without the knowledge or permission of Westboro, the church maintains a link to the entire report on its website. | ||
On April 1, 2007, the British television channel [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Two BBC Two] broadcast [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Theroux Louis Theroux]' ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Hated_Family_in_America The Most Hated Family in America]''. | On April 1, 2007, the British television channel [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Two BBC Two] broadcast [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Theroux Louis Theroux]' ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Hated_Family_in_America The Most Hated Family in America]''. Theroux has presented a number of documentaries about unusual or unconventional people and groups in the UK, the US and elsewhere. A follow-up documentary by Theroux, ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America%27s_Most_Hated_Family_in_Crisis America's Most Hated Family in Crisis]'', broadcast in the UK on April 3, 2011. | ||
The website godhatesfags.com was prominently featured in ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jeremy_Kyle_Show The Jeremy Kyle Show]'', a talk show aired on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITV ITV] network in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2007. Shirley Phelps-Roper and her daughters had been invited to express their beliefs live via satellite. On the show, Kyle criticized the Phelps for their beliefs and referred to the Phelps' children as "completely and utterly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_control brainwashed]", and to Phelps-Roper herself as "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosis deranged]". | The website godhatesfags.com was prominently featured in ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jeremy_Kyle_Show The Jeremy Kyle Show]'', a talk show aired on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITV ITV] network in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2007. Shirley Phelps-Roper and her daughters had been invited to express their beliefs live via satellite. On the show, Kyle criticized the Phelps for their beliefs and referred to the Phelps' children as "completely and utterly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_control brainwashed]", and to Phelps-Roper herself as "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosis deranged]". | ||
In the June 21, 2007, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_4 Channel 4] documentary ''Keith Allen Will Burn in Hell'', starring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Allen_%28actor%29 Keith Allen], on which Phelps-Roper and some of her children agreed to appear, Phelps-Roper admitted on camera that her oldest son, Samuel, was born out of wedlock. Allen declared Phelps-Roper's vocal condemnation of strangers having sexual congress outside of marriage to be hypocritical as she was guilty of the same thing. | In the June 21, 2007, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_4 Channel 4] documentary ''Keith Allen Will Burn in Hell'', starring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Allen_%28actor%29 Keith Allen], on which Phelps-Roper and some of her children agreed to appear, Phelps-Roper admitted on camera that her oldest son, Samuel, was born out of wedlock. Allen declared Phelps-Roper's vocal condemnation of strangers having sexual congress outside of marriage to be hypocritical as she was guilty of the same thing. | ||
==Funding== | ==Funding== | ||
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WBC's travel expenses exceed $200,000 annually. | WBC's travel expenses exceed $200,000 annually. According to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Poverty_Law_Center Southern Poverty Law Center], Westboro is funded entirely by its congregation and accepts no outside donations. The church has received money from lawsuits and legal fees. For example, they sued the city of Topeka several times in the 1990s. WBC received $16,500, and is pursuing another $100,000, in legal fees for a case won in court.<span style="font-size:11px;line-height:0px;"> </span>The WBC is considered a nonprofit organization by the federal government, and is therefore exempt from paying taxes. | ||
[[Category:List]] | [[Category:List]] | ||
[[Category:Organization]] | [[Category:Organization]] | ||