Westboro Church hit for $10.9 million for protesting a Marine Funeral?

Question

What do you all think?

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN3134225120071031

I wanted to add that I'm no fan of the Westboro Church. I don't agree with their stances on much of anything, but did they have the right to do this?

Actually, just looking for opinions. They say the 10.9 mil will bankrupt the organization.

Answer 1

freedom of speech is not aplicable when it interferes with others rights of 'freedom of speech' .

Phelps and his evil group are crossing the line.

Answer 2

Is a funeral a public event? Is a cemetery public property? The answer to both of these questions is no. The Westboro church protesters were trespassing on private property and crashing a private family event. Free speech is only protected on public property.

Answer 3

the westboro freaks are not of God else they would not cause that much pain.
I think that 10.9 million dollars isn't going to teach them anything. the Big Baptist organizations need to come out against westboros actions(very loudly) as this is not the way Christians are to conduct them selfs. there is much more I would like to say but I am a Christian and I am trying to learn to conduct my self in the way of a Christian
(its not always easy).

Answer 4

I was thrilled to see this story and the judgment for the plaintiff. I don't think the father is going to get a dime from the Westboro Hate Church, unfortunately. I hope more families of soldiers start suing this hateful family. They need to be stopped with the full force of our legal system and sent back to Kansas with their tails between their legs. Mere bankruptcy is too good for them.

Answer 5

Ohhhh one can but hope!

The very concept of protesting at funerals is sick and disgusting.

It is people like that that give Christianity a bad name.
I've sounded off on this somewhere else and am sure it is easy enough to find.
Sadly tho, they will find a way to wiggle out of paying...their kind always do.
But at least in principle the Marines family can be proud of themselves for sticking it to the jerks.
Was always told that the best way to deal w/ these loser type is to go after their wallets.
HOO-RAH!!!!

Answer 6

I was on my way to a funeral/memorial service in GA last month and Westboro was there. I saw them picketing w/ their usual signs...i knew bout'em b4 i went but yes they need to be sued...i am really surprised none of'em have been killed yet 0-o ....they are taking "freedom of speech" a little overboard. Im glad they were sued, someone needed to stand up!

Answer 7

They deserve that and more!

But do not continue to call them a church.

Don't confuse the Westboro Church with a Church. I support the TRUTH.

http://www.apologeticsindex.org/111-westboro-baptist-church

Answer 8

They deserved this years ago. Those despicable people hide behind the First Amendment, but the First Amendment does NOT allow one person's speech [or actions] to harass others or inflict emotional distress.

By the way, look up Fred Phelps on Wikipedia -- even his estranged sons have stated that that "church" is nothing more than a cult.

Answer 9

No they had no right to do that. Freedom of speech is not all powerful, you words can not cause harm. Hence why you can not yell fire in a crowded theater. These people caused emotional harm to families everywhere. These people attacked others and they were finally made to answer for their crimes. Further more since these people can not in any way back up there words with facts they can also be sued over libel. You can not say something about someone if it not true. Personally I hope this is just the start.

Answer 10

I think that Jesus preached against the type of behavior shown by these people.
I can't say strongly enough that Fred Phelps is hurting God by making Christians look like demented hatemongers.
This is not a constitutional issue for me, this is simply my heartfelt protest against using the name of God to hate and revile people. Phelps is doing the work of Satan in the name of God.
His only excuse is that he's crazy, but what of his followers?
God save us from those who preach hate and condemnation and call it the gospel.

Answer 11

I heard that on the news. When they said that, all I could do was stare at my radio in disbelief. I mean, my jaw hit the floor.

Seriously, its bad enough that they had to bury they're baby, then they had to look at protesters at their son's funeral holding up signs saying "thank God for dead soldiers". That made me sick to my stomach. To think that everyday, young men and women are dying to protect their freedom and ours. Ungrateful b*stards.

I think that not only should their family get that money, but each member of the soldiers immediate family (parents, siblings, and grandparents) should be able to punch each one of those protesters in the face.

Edit-

Vinsa... just... no.