Fred Phelps group is despicable. It is not Christian. And their going to funerals is horrid. But folks need to be aware that the way this group funds itself is to take civil action against people who attack them. I can understand folks wanting to pop somebody for their behavior. But that is a criminal act. But now this group will sue those five who assualted them, and will probably win damages.
Just leave this Phelps group alone. What God is going to do with them is far worse than anything we can do to them.
"Fighting words" are not protected.
And if going to a funeral and saying that you are glad that someone's beloved son is dead is NOT an example of fighhting words, it's hard to know what is.
You are absolutely correct. The best way to handle them is to encircle them so that no one can see their filthy signs, nor hear their epithets.
How can they prevail with such deliberately and outrageously provocative behaviour, designed to be as offensive as possible? Don't some states have "Fighting Words" doctrines where even killing is winked at?
We all know there are things you just cannot do or say without consequences. What they are doing is like wearing an SS uniform to a Bar Mitzva, or a Klan outfit to some Black Power rally. How could anyone possibly care what happens to them?
It surely is only a matter of time, and when it happens I hope whoever does it makes a clean sweep and leaves no plaintiffs.
Dead people can't sue anyone.
L
All they need to do is bring signs that say
"Fred Phelps is gay and loves little boys"
A few of those and a few good chants and the Phelps crowd will be over the edge and attacking them.
I am surprised someone has not had a one on one discussion with them when they are coming or going, They are obviously staying in the area and I doubt the hide their idenity.