Posted on 11/06/2007 6:05:15 AM PST by Zakeet
PAPILLION, Neb. - Shirley Phelps-Roper and her attorney want to know exactly why she has been criminally charged for protesting at a Bellevue soldier's funeral in June, so they can challenge the charges.
Phelps-Roper and her attorney, Bassel El-Kasaby, asked a Sarpy County judge Monday to order prosecutors to spell out in writing why she is charged with flag mutilation, negligent child abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and disturbing the peace. They say the details of those charges will be important to Phelps-Roper's defense.
"This case clearly raises some substantial constitutional issues," El-Kasaby said.
Phelps-Roper is a member of the Topeka, Kan., based Westboro Baptist Church, whose members believe that U.S. troop deaths in Iraq are punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
The protesters carry signs bearing such slogans as "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "God hates fags." Followers say they are entitled to protest at soldiers' funerals under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion.
Monday's hearing did not attract protesters. Instead Phelps-Roper brought only a few family members for support. Phelps-Roper said she believes Sarpy County prosecutors are persecuting the Westboro church.
"This nation _ and in particular this city and this county and this state _ is experimenting with our liberties because you don't like our message," Phelps-Roper said.
But Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov said Phelps-Roper's decision to allow her 10-year-old son to stand on an American flag during the protest justified the prosecution because violence could have ensued.
(Excerpt) Read more at columbustelegram.com ...
Democrats?
not sure why you’re bringing up treason re this State case....all I meant to say was that she knew perfectly well that having her kid trample the flag in this particular milieu could very well cause a riot, esp in tandem with the other activities/speech she maliciously choreographed.
Showing her intent to incite to riot would be a cakewalk, IMO.
another WBC ping..
This is a pretty scary clip of what they are teaching these little ones.
Their attorney was hired by the ACLU.
Is anyone else suprised?
Its just so sad. Its brainwashing in my mind without a doubt. The WBC is no church..its a CULT!
If God actually wanted to punish us for that, He would have done something more creative...like giving us Nancy Pelosi or Rosanne.
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