$11m judgment against Westboro Baptists - will it stand?

Question

They are confident it will be overturned. In your opinion, should it be?

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FUNERAL_PROTESTS?SITE=INLAF&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Answer 1

Depends on a few factors. They DID have the right to protest, no matter how distastful we find it. The DO NOT, however, have the right to abrogate the Families expectation of privacy. The 1st Amendment is important, but it does NOT trump the well being of other people. In this particular case? Yes, they DID in fact cause undue and unlawful disruption to a ceremony where there WAS an expectation of privacy. The decision, in a modified version, should for the most part stand.

As much as I hate to say it though, the new statute in MD is fair, that they should be allowed to protest at a safe distance.

Answer 2

I bet it does. The thin reed on which their defense rested was that a military funeral is considered to be a public event, which means that they have a right to protest it.

But the truth is that Westboro sought out a family in its worst time of private grief and used it as an excuse to grandstand. It is a wholesale, deplorable invasion of privacy.

I believe the question of homosexuality is a legitimate issue to be discussed in a sensible, enlightened manner between disagreeing parties. However, the tactics of the Westboro Baptists use tactics that no decent person, and certainly no Christian, would ever consider.

Answer 3

The judgment may be reduced or overturned, but there are several other suits waiting their turn against these freaks. They'll be bankrupted just from the expense of having to defend their indefensible behavior. Fred Phelps, you're living on borrowed time. Semper Fi, sicko!

Answer 4

I hope it doesn't but considering the Phelpses have several lawyers within their family, I would imagine they'll find a loophole. While I'm all for free speech, there is a time and place for everything. And soldiers have also died to allow them the freedom to spew filth from their mouths - something they seem to forget.

Answer 5

I think the money is way to much but they should have to pay. To do what they are doing is wrong, the Bible does not say this. It is their interpretation of what is written. You are love the sinner but hate the sin. Now to that our soldiers died for our sins, I 'm not going there.

Answer 6

It could cause harm to the innocent and unknowing people they picket. Not as bad as yelling "fire" in the crowded movie house, but could be harmful none the less.

Answer 7

I think it is ridiculous. They run websites such as godhatesfags.com. There is no reason for the abuse and harassment. Those people seriously have Christianity mixed up with Cult.

Answer 8

i think it should stand, there are bounderies to freedom of speech. if i spread rumors about you in hope to damage your credability you can sue for deffamation of character.

the baptist church thats doing this has stepped waaaaaaaay over the line, and i hope more families sue.

Answer 9

One can only hope it does....but if not, they will still make some lawyers very rich appealing it.

Answer 10

I 100% disagree with what they said.
But I 100% support their right to say it. Especially since it shows their ignorance and hate, and will hopefully discredit their opinions to anyone with a heart and a brain.