What gives them the right?

Question

Today was the funeral of a young army coporal, who was killed while serving in Iraq. The funeral procession was about 500 cars long and people were lining the streets to pay their last respects. It was sad and very touching. Anyhow, there is the "group" of religious WHACKOS who are there protesting because they believe the young mans death was caused by our acceptance of homosexuality in America. WHAT??? WTF??? Who are these people and what gives them the right to totally disrespect that young man and his family? I can't imagine the horror that this poor kids mother felt when she heard this nuts saying her son deserved to die because we are accepting of gays and lesbians. I mean this kid wasn't even gay, he was recently married. How do they even coorelate the two. What does being tolerant of homosexuality have to do with dying while serving your country. That young man died a hero and deserves respect, they shouldn't be allowed to disrupt someones funeral like that.

Ah, Giovanni? Where in the bible does it say that innocent young men should die because of others sexual prefernces? I must have missed that part?
This young man was a catholic, a outstanding member of the community, and son, husband, and friend to many. You can justify his death because you hate gays????? If this is so you are not a Christian at all, but a hate monger.

Answer 1

It's a very serious problem. It's the mentality that people think they have the right to even consider protesting a the person who recently died. The protestors deserve pitty (But still they are very wrong) for the fact that they are blind to their own world. Such matters (The funeral) must be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of who died. And as for the blind metaphorically speaking, they are a problem that will persist.
At least they haven't resorted to violence, but I have a feeling that it might come.

And as for the constitution:
There is the freedom of assembly/petition AS LONG AS it does NOT cause harm or danger to those around it. Human rights - specifically the right to peace of mind - supercede the right to protest.
If anybody is going to use the first or second amendment, PLEASE read the constitution. Thoroughly. And don't just follow hearsay about 'The right to protest'. There's more to it. And don't forget the Nineth amendment of rights not exaclty included in the rest of the constitution.

Answer 2

Sounds like the Westboro Baptist Church paid your town a visit. I'm so sorry. Those jerks make my blood boil, too. Your town's young Corporal is a hero and always will be. I certainly respect the sacrifice he's made and it greatly angers me that such a man cannot be laid to rest without religious nut-jobs spoiling the ceremony.

The only group I've heard of that stands up to these jerks is an offshoot of the Hell's Angels -- that's right, the motorcycle gang. They may call themselves Rolling Thunder, but my memory is weak. Because they are as far from police as it's possible to be, they're not constrained by "legal details." They're willing to travel, but they need to be invited before the funeral. They don't show up if not invited, but they are very effective at dealing with Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church.

Answer 3

Nothing give them the right to shout drivel at a funeral like that, but unfortunately, they do have a half freedom of speech, so long as they dont shout anti american things, or bomb on a plane, or fire in a theater. In reality they should have been beat the hell up by the members of the funeral to teach them a lesson of humility. Protest places that are connected to either homosexuality or the war, not a funeral for a fallen boy, that is just pathetic. and for Mr Giovani Geezus it isnt Christianity they were preaching, Christianity preaches love, acceptance, and patience with your fellow man, not radicalism, hate and aggression. You sir a hate monger, as the poster of this question has alread atested to.

Answer 4

Those were probably some of Westboro Baptist's crew. As a Christian, I am apalled at their unscriptural behavior. They even have a website that is the most dispicable thing I have ever read from someone who is supposed to be Christian.

Their judgement is so misplaced and rude that they should not really be part of the Church. They stand as the Pharisees of Jesus' day did, condemning all they deem unfit. The scriptures are clear about sin, but they are also clear on how Christians are supposed to treat others.

Answer 5

Probably Westboro Baptist Church. They call what they do "Love Crusades." There's a schedule of upcoming veteran funerals on their website. Pretty much the example of everything Christianity is not supposed to be. Those people are completely nuts. Their website godhatesfags.com is so absrudly offensive as to appear like a badly-intended parody (it's not.) By the way, "God hates Sweden" according to them, and their evidence has the sophistication of a 12 year old boy. (Look here for more: http://www.godhatessweden.com/html/royalfamily.html I'll probably get flagged if I actually quoted it. It's rude.)

Answer 6

I think the people you are speaking of, who "protest" at funerals, are the nutjobs from that Hillsboro Baptist Church.

Dear, satan is not only outside the church, he is within. No loving Christian would do such a thing at a funeral where a family is grieving. Yes, the bible talks about sin and yes Christians believe the bible. But those who truly follow Jesus Christ would never, ever do such a hateful thing.

Answer 7

I KNOW WHO THEY ARE! The BBC did a documenatry about them. It was titled "the most hated family in America." They are a cult. Their leader actually said he wished more people had died in the Virginia tech massacare. I've provided a link to the documentary. I'm sory the family were hurt by this people.

Fred Phelps ( cult leader) has also said: "The Lord God Almighty killed [the people who died on 9/11], looked at them in the face, laughed and mocked at each one of them as he cast each one of them into hell".
Clearly this is a cult.

Answer 8

Sounds like Westboro Baptist, and they're not even a church. They're a cult with only a few members, mostly family, who apparently have nothing better to do than blaspheme everything God stands for. And since they're all family and Mr. Fred Phelps doesn't let any of his little goats marry "outsiders", I don't think this particular cult will survive past the current generation. :)

Answer 9

I completely agree, except free speech is allowed and they do have that right. But part of free speech is to accept the consequences for what you say-I feel that all of those people should be completely shunned. Their pictures should be in the paper and anyone who believes they are cruel and horrible people should have nothing to do with them (including businesses and companies.)
Alas, these people have no shame...and I truly cannot comprehend why they think what they are doing is correct. Not a clue.

Answer 10

The Constitution of the United States of America gives them the right. It's up to them to use their right respectfully and responsibly (which anyone who protests during a funeral is falling well short of).