Washington (CNN) -- Missouri's tight restrictions on protests and picketing outside military funerals were tossed out by a federal judge Monday, over free speech concerns.
A small Kansas church had brought suit over its claimed right to loudly march outside the burials and memorial services of those killed in overseas conflicts. The state legislature had passed a law to keep members of the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church from demonstrating within 300 feet of such private services.
Church members, led by pastor Fred Phelps, believe God is punishing the United States for "the sin of homosexuality" through events including soldiers' deaths. Members have traveled the country, shouting at grieving family members at funerals and displaying such signs as "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," "God Blew Up the Troops" and "AIDS Cures Fags." . . .
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/missouri.funeral.protests.ruling/index.html?hpt=T2 (http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/missouri.funeral.protests.ruling/index.html?hpt=T2)
As much as I detest this man, his organization, and everything they stand for, I would fight to the death to defend his/their right to freedom of speech.
I hate this but I have to agree with the court! :rant:
Quote from: Palehorse on August 16, 2010, 09:00:16 PM
Washington (CNN) -- Missouri's tight restrictions on protests and picketing outside military funerals were tossed out by a federal judge Monday, over free speech concerns.
A small Kansas church had brought suit over its claimed right to loudly march outside the burials and memorial services of those killed in overseas conflicts. The state legislature had passed a law to keep members of the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church from demonstrating within 300 feet of such private services.
Church members, led by pastor Fred Phelps, believe God is punishing the United States for "the sin of homosexuality" through events including soldiers' deaths. Members have traveled the country, shouting at grieving family members at funerals and displaying such signs as "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," "God Blew Up the Troops" and "AIDS Cures Fags." . . .
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/missouri.funeral.protests.ruling/index.html?hpt=T2 (http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/missouri.funeral.protests.ruling/index.html?hpt=T2)
As much as I detest this man, his organization, and everything they stand for, I would fight to the death to defend his/their right to freedom of speech.
I hate this but I have to agree with the court! :rant:
I think the bikers should be able to keep the assholes 300 ft. away. Did you every watch these glassy eyed people. There was a whole show on them on TV. Just pure scum. It's amazing what can crawl out from under a rock.
This is a shame. It may be their right to free speech but it is infringing of the right of the family to grieve in peace.
Hum, would it be considered a right to free speech if bikers gathered around shouting at the church while they were holding services on Sunday?
Quote from: me on August 16, 2010, 10:09:10 PM
Hum, would it be considered a right to free speech if bikers gathered around shouting at the church while they were holding services on Sunday?
Look Baby Cakes, you don't have to shout, speak or say a word, if your big, mean and you hate the god damn religious nuts.
All you have to do is get in their face and walk forward to the 300 ft. across the street. Get my drift. :biggrin: :yes: We are just walking arm in arm walking across the street and with some water to put on the sound system. :yes: :yes:
Quote from: The Troll on August 16, 2010, 10:19:33 PM
Look Baby Cakes, you don't have to shout, speak or say a word, if your big, mean and you hate the god damn religious nuts.
All you have to do is get in their face and walk forward to the 300 ft. across the street. Get my drift. :biggrin: :yes: We are just walking arm in arm walking across the street and with some water to put on the sound system. :yes: :yes:
But water in their speakers would be damaging property lamie poo....where as singing, say.....Darling Niki by Prince....or.....maybe a choice Zappa song.....or....hum.....Freakers Ball.....uh.....well, there's a bunch of 'em, that would be just a gathering of singers expressing themselves..... :icon_twisted:
Quote from: me on August 16, 2010, 11:00:56 PM
But water in their speakers would be damaging property lamie poo....where as singing, say.....Darling Niki by Prince....or.....maybe a choice Zappa song.....or....hum.....Freakers Ball.....uh.....well, there's a bunch of 'em, that would be just a gathering of singers expressing themselves..... :icon_twisted:
Oh, I sorry that my beer went into your electronics. Hell, we take up a collection for pay for them. Just send me a bill, my name is Micky Mouse. M - I - C - K - E - Y M - O - U - S - E
And for you "ME" :finger01:
Quote from: me on August 16, 2010, 10:09:10 PM
Hum, would it be considered a right to free speech if bikers gathered around shouting at the church while they were holding services on Sunday?
Yes. I'm delighted that you seem to grasp the concept at last.
The troubling part of the of the MO leg passing this law, to me at least, is that laws already on the books will handle the problem. Disturbing the peace, for example, and disorderly conduct. Every offensive act doesn't need its own special law, and enacting one gives the practitioner way too much importance. A law barring the specific actions of these loonies will make them think someone takes them seriously.