Thought of the Day: Snyder v. Phelps

Snyder v. Phelps is a case currently before the Supreme Court, but depending on the ruling, it might be one of those landmark cases that is discussed in your High School Civics and and Economics class. Fred Phelps is the leader/pastor/patriarch of the Westboro Baptist Church, and his Church has strained the use of the First Amendment to its limit, according to some. The Church is famous for its "God Hates Fags" marches in which the members of the church picket and protest outside of organizations which they consider to be pro-gay.

The Church has also taken to protesting at Military Memorial Services for both openly gay and openly not gay members of the armed forces. According to the Phelps theology, America is doomed unless it repents for its open and affirming culture for homosexuality. While I know quite a few of the LGBTQ community which might take issue with the idea that we in America really are open and accepting of the gay lifestyle, the point is moot because this issue is about whether or not the Church has a First Amendment Right to spread their theology in a way that some consider to be a violation of privacy. This is why it's a problem: they publicize their protests outside of military funerals, claiming that any dead soldiers are God's punishment for America's homosexuality, and the resulting press that the Church acquires is painful to mourning family members. It's valuable to keep in mind that the Westboro Congregation is not protesting illegally, they get permits and stay on sidewalks and do all the "right things" by law, but some people still believe that their message of hate borders on harassment.

This issue is a slippery slope: at best the Church is distasteful and at worst it is just cruel, but if the Supreme Court hands down anything but a ruling of First Amendment protection, I am seriously concerned about what other "distasteful" kinds of speech the Government will decide to sensor. These people are, in a twisted way, exactly what America is about, and as much pain as they cause, I hope they continue to have the right to keep on doing it, for as long as they see the need. On the other hand, I also hope they could somehow learn that words of kindness and understanding are sometimes the real best ways to get across a point and to increase respect all around.  I'll keep you updated.

On a side note, it will be interesting to see if the ACLU has taken a stand on this issue, considering that the director, Anthony Romero is gay himself, and because there is almost no support for the Westboro Baptist Church's freedom of speech, even amongst liberals.