Last week, the Supreme Court made a tough decision is regards to the legal case against the Westboro Baptist Church.
Supreme Court Building, picture by K. Conners
Albert Snyder sued the hateful Christian church for protesting at his military son’s funeral. We have all heard about these people who protest at the funerals of military dead, stating that this is how God is showing his displeasure about the tolerance of Gays in the U.S.
The vicious church follows the law in publicizing where they are protesting and staying out-of-bounds of the private funeral. But they have been known to print out flyers and post on websites about the sexuality of these soldiers without regard to the truth.
Snyder’s first case was a victory but since then court after court has overturned the ruling. Last week, the Supreme Court supported the lower court overturning of the initial case, stating that while what the Westboro church was doing is offensive and repellant it is still allowed within the parameters of the First amendment.
Which means we all still have the right to gather and protest. And that also means we have the right to have our own churches. Imagine if this church would have lost the case. What would have been the consequence for the rest of us? Does that mean anytime a union would choose to picket, the owner of the property would have the right to have the picketers arrested?
What about any form of protest? The anti-war groups, the anti-abortion groups, the anti-government groups, the million man/woman march people? If that ruling had gone the way most of us would have wanted it to go, then many of the other forms of protest would suddenly be seen in a different light.
Now it is time for some smart legal beagle to figure out how to shut these people up. I would look at potential libel or slander suits because they do that all of the time about the people who’s funeral they are protesting.
Meanwhile, I will try not to get too much perverse joy out of this bit from Saturday Night Live. After all we are told in the book of Romans, verses 12:17-21 that we are to…
Picture by Xandert
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
That means I need to show the Westboro Baptist Church some kindness should they ever come and protest in my neck of the woods.
Which is harder – to make a Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing the rights of an abhorrent group of people to protest or show Christian love to that same group of haters as dictated by our God?
Right now either action is looking pretty difficult.
They are a horrific group of hateful people…but I support the Supreme Court’s ruling. I take solace in the knowledge that they won’t be in the Heaven I am going to when I die.
blessings
jane
That is the only solace I have as well, unless I turn up in hell instead.
Excellent point. I think few of us stopped to think about the repercussions had they lost this case. It’s hard to look past their hatred and see clearly where this group is concerned. In answer to your question, it is much harder for me to show them love! I need to keep myself in check on this one!
That is where I am. I am not sure that these people are capable of intelligent discussion despite how learned they all seem to be. Their hate overpowers their abilities.
That group is located here in my state of Kansas (but not in my city) in the state capital of Topeka. For years I have heard about them and how “crazy” and disliked they are. I watched part of a documentary about them, but couldn’t finish it because I couldn’t believe what I was watching.
I understand the importance of Free Speech and the ability to protest. I do think many people abuse these rights and use it as an excuse to spew all kinds of hatred and prejudice around. Some people simply will not listen to reason or to an opinion that differs from their own, and take advantage of the laws that are there to protect everyone. What do you do?
I recently saw a call to action from some bikers to help block the protestors at funerals. I thought that was the right kind of counter-action to take. I think they need a big bus to park infront of their view, like on Home Makeover, or a big sheet or whatever. There is a time and a place for everything, and I can’t understand how they lack the ability for compassion to the family of the soldiers who have lost their lives and allow them to grieve in peace.
I think they are so blindsided by their hatred that it is impossible to have any sort of conversation with them. Can you serve these people a meal if they never stop talking about their hatred?
Secondly, I do believe that the bikers and others are protesting them in a silent fashion. I have read stories where they were shamed away when other christians silently rememnded them that God is about love. I love your mobile home idea. That would be the best protest of all.
I hate that laws made to protect us can sometimes leave good people vulnerable to the hateful actions of bad people. I agree with you. I really hope there is a way to stop Westboro from harrassing others while keeping Amendments intact.
I have read stories in which families report flyers calling their dead family members homosexual despite that not being the case. I wonder if with all of the people they target each year, could that not be a class action suit? Does anyone know who could educate the rest of us?
I was recently complaining about this group on my FB page and a friend sent me this site. Very interesting. http://www.patriotguard.org/
I am not sure why but your link is not working. However I did find a listing about the Patriot Guard on wikipedia.
Freedom of speech can’t be limited according to what we find acceptable or decent. These people have the right to protest and express their hideous views. How the rest of us react to those views will determine whether they gain in strength or wither away. I’m betting on the latter.
Me, too.
thanks for this. just another example of how hard it is to be tolerant of those who DON”T DESERVE IT!!! at least not on the planet where i’m the queen of everything…..again – thanks!
Exactly! Being a Christian means sometimes you have to tolerate incomprehsive boobs.