Kudos to two Wichita-area lawmakers, Sens. Jean Schodorf and Carolyn McGinn, for introducing a bill that would impose a no-protest buffer zone around funeral services.
The measure, similar to funeral laws being proposed in several other states, would help sideline the ghoulish Phelps “church” of Topeka, whose members have been noisily picketing funerals and harassing grieving family members in scores of anti-gay protests around the country.
Although there are legitimate free speech rights involved, grieving families have privacy and worship rights, too. Many legal experts think that a buffer zone could pass constitutional muster if the distance requirement was reasonable. The Kansas bill would impose a 300-foot buffer, the length of a football field — far enough to shield family members from in-your-face protests, but not so far as to prevent protesters from exercising their speech rights.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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39 Comments
The Phelps clan constitutes a plague on the good name of Kansas. The buffer zone should be in effect wherever they go, so they get no closer than 300 feet from anybody, and apply to any means of communication across it. Hate is an infectious disease, and should be treated as such!
Why dont they pressure the prison buruea to fire both Margie and Fred Jr. from their government jobs. Its bad enough that these assholes represent Kansas in their deeds its even worse that they are on the state payroll and are tax dollars fund their activies. And before people complain about firing violating their rights the Phelps family all have extenstive criminal records so the fact they for the prison system is even worse.
Uhh . . . I can’t go along with that, Pancho. I detest what they do, but until they break a law, they should be allowed to hold their state jobs.
I don’t want to get fired for my bumpersticker.
A better plan would be something that would not impose on their rights but would dis-incentivize further protest activities. One strategy would be a shadow group that counter-protests them. Another idea would be protesting in front of their houses.
Let them see what it’s like . . .
Firehoses and German Shepherds.
WHAT IS THE FINAL DESTINATION OF HATRED?
(a question from Buddah)
What I want to know is why did it take so long to do something about these idiots? Personally Todd I would vote for tazers, I don’t want my dog to catch anything.
It’s a hell of a thing when you can be fired for being gay, but not for being an @sshole. I’ve tried to be a good Liberal and a good Christian in my views on the Phelps Gang.
I recomend opening a 55-gallon barrel of whup-ass on Fred and company. Let him sue! No jury of MY peers would convict.
Most of the Phelps family already have criminal rapsheets. If they were members of the KKK or the Ayran Nation I doubt they would remain in the employment of the state. In fact the SCLC a group founded by Dr King lists the westboro church as a hate group along with the above mentioned groups.
Even if they were Aryan Nations or KKK they could not be fired for their racial, religous or cultural beliefs!
V.L.R.B!!!
When I worked for the City of Wichita I couldn’t demonstrate at any rallies. I don’t know if the state has a similar program. If Ksfarmgrrl got fired for using a day of vacation and testifying at legislature I don’t see why the phelps (I know I didn’t capitilize like I’m supposed to, I consider it to be a form of respect to capitilize a name) clan can protest like they do and still hold government jobs.I wish we could stop giving phelps the publicity he so craves. Nothing in newspapers, tv, radio. Just the motorcycles reving their engines to drown out his hatred.vrroom, vrroom, vrroom, vrroom….
The Phelps have vowed to fight the buffer zone law, so it will be interesting to see the court battle and the outcome. It’s about time that we demand respect for grieving families, this should have happened years ago. If the Phelps had just stuck to the gay funerals, I wonder if such legislation would be introduced. I can’t help but think that most people didn’t pay too much attention until Fred went after the soldiers.
We all have rights. The only reason brother Fred is being ridiculed is because he is from the RELIGIOUS RIGHT and he is an avid CONSERVATITIVE! You liberals go find problems in your own back yard!
I don’t know if you’re serious, but @ssholes like Fred ARE our problem. I don’t think the religious right would claim him, even if their salvation depended on it. He’s not a conservative, he’s a nutcase.
YOU LEAVE MY FRIEND PHELPS ALONE! HE AND I ARE REAL GOOD FRIENDS AND IF YOU BOTHER HIM I’LL PUT A WIRETAP ON YOU!!!!!
Personally, I don’t think ANY law such as the one being proposed here should be passed. It sets a bad precedent by lowering the bar for how society is permitted to restrict objectionable speech. That shit makes me VERY nervous, particularly in light of the Bush Administration’s totalitarian tactics aimed at shutting down the ability to petition the chief Executive for redress. Bad precedent is bad precedent, however well-intentioned.
The obscene spectacle of the Phelpses notwithstanding, I think the harm from such a law is greater than the harm to the bereaved families they target. That sounds harsh, but it’s a statement I’ll stand by.
Of course, we all see where this is headed if the law passes. The ACLU will get involved, and I’ll bet money that the Phelpses will accept their assistance.
When it comes to free speech, in its most undiluted form, CF, Fred Phelps, and the ACLU can all agree. Ain’t America grand?.
CF,I agree with you. Passing laws restricting freedom of speech in any way is not the answer, will hurt us all, and probably won’t stop phelps. Probably the only way is to make him a complete laughing stock. I personally think the gay community ought to present him with an award for all he’s done for the gay rights movement!
This is good news and definitely necessary, since the Phelps family cant’ seem to understand decency.
Here’s another change I’d like to see come to Kansas. When the true churches stand up against the politically motivated churches like they are in Ohio.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/16/AR2006011600626.html
Thanks for the link, Sum1. I recall reading that there were federal officials attending services at Wright’s church to try to determine if he was going over the line to non-tax protected political activism. Don’t know if Fox has been similarly looked at.
The abortion clinics already have these buffer zones in place, and no one’s free speech is being jeopardized. Why should it be different with the Phelps clan? Ones person’s rights end when he starts to infringe upon the rights of others. Fot too long, Phelps has been given a free hand to harass people, and that needs to stop.
“For” not fot! I need to preview before I post!!
Damoon,
Good point. I’m not sure how I feel about those, either. Also, I’m not sure whether and to what extent personal safety was in issue in the law establishing their existence.
I’m a little torn on this issue. I agree with CF’s points regarding free speech, but man it would be nice to send Phelps and his gang a football field length away from a funeral.
I dont think any of the Phelps clan should be fired from their jobs for what they do on their own time. Two wrongs dont make a right, no matter how heinous Fred and company are. Geez, if we fired all the haters in Kansas, we wouldnt have many workers or entrepreneurs, now would we?
Funny how everyone loves free speech until it conflicts with whatever prejudice they hold. True lovers of free speech will defend the rights of those who disagree with them.
I still contend that the reason the Phelps topic draws so many posts is because it hits a nerve close to home. It refects who we really are in Kansas. Just look at the posts on race.
Could there be a more hateful state than Kansas? Or do we just think we are morally superior to other states because we are polite while we show our collective, narrow minded asses? Kansas…as bigoted as you think.
Give me an open hater so I can see them coming. I know Terry and Joe and Fred and their true believers when I see them. But this more subtle hatred in the costume of intellectualism or christianity is harder to fight. It looks and feels so good…and yet it brings results that are so bad.
Remember Kansas, the first step to recovery is admitting you are addicted to hatred, both the overt and the covert kinds.
It would be nice, but un-american, to send the Fred, Terry, and Joes of all religions to another planet, not just a football field. Perhaps their followers would join them on the trip so others could clean up the mess “left behind” when they are gone. It would take centuries to clear out the stink of hatred disguised as religion.
You hit the nail on the head. People fear what they don’t understand and they hate what they fear. Religion has always been an effective weapon to discriminate against and persecute others in the name of God. That way one’s conscience can live with the injustice.
Let them have their free speech, but everyone needs to ignore Phelps & Co. If no one listens, then why keep talking and spewing? Wonder what Bush would do if Phelps & co. picketed him??Too bad it won’t happen.
He would put them in a cage, er, “free speech zone,” a mile a so away. . . .
It would be nice to do something about Phelps, but I don’t think Schodorf’s bill is constitutional.
I’m sick of the rude, obnoxious, evil, and hatemongering Phelps clan running the show. Maybe we should all picket the Eagle and the TV stations for constantly putting them in the public eye and giving them a platform for their hatred and prejudice. Do you think we’d get equal time? I doubt it!
Fred Phelps and the church have picketed the Bushs on numerous occassions.
Bart,There isn’t much phelps hasn’t protested- I saw him picketing Jerry Falwell for being “pro-gay!” Somebody that obviously miserable needs help. We need an assisted suicide law in Kansas!
I’ll start the IV!
ROFLMAO–Jerry “the queers are responsible for 9/11″ Falwell is pro-gay? I am laughing so hard I cant breathe. Fred must be mad at Jerry for stealing his lines, not for being pro-gay. I think that post just about says it all.
Please consider this.
There is a perfectly legal way to stop Fred Phelps and his hateful cult from taking their sick pickets all over this grand country. If only anyone would show some guts and implement it.There are laws in every State that allow people to be locked up if they are proven to be a danger to themselves and others.
Every where they go with their hateful and vulgar signs, stomp and urinate on the American flag and spit their hate, there is always SOMEONE that either makes a lunge to beat the crud out of them or actually tries to kill them in one way or another. They send their people (99% of them are his family in one way or another.) out in teams to do all this hateful junk.
Among these teams, are the Phelps CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN! These poor kids have been raised hearing and living NOTHING BUT HATE 24/7/365. And now these stupid, hateful things are using these children as SHIELDS! They honestly think these children need to learn this hate and that no one would ever think to attack them with children in their ranks. WRONG! Each attack on them that has happened, the children are front and center for them to hide behind!
They are not only a danger to each other and innocents around them, BUT TO THEIR CHILDREN AS WELL! SO! When they come to town, implement the law that allow people to be locked up if they are proven to be a danger to themselves and others. Then place the children in foster homes where they can learn that there is something in life other then hate and hateful pickets.
This is how you can legally shut them down. All you need now is some State that has the guts to implement the law that is on their own books.
Lady Donna Marie RoyceMinneapolis, MN
Ms. Royce..
Nice thought, but having seen the phelps cult in action more than once, I have never seen anyone lunge at them, try to kill them or anything of the sort. So, your idea just won’t work. There is no child endangerment to exercise their Constitutional rights. They are a small group that gets a LOT of publicity.
As members of the Patriot Guard, we simply block the way so the family cannot see/hear that sicko cult. As a group, we also turn our backs on them, and fire up our bikes. Reduces their ‘message’ when it cannot be seen or heard.
I just heard on “NBC’s” “Today Show” that Caretta Scott King died today. I greave with her family! She was a great woman that lived by love, not by hate and is a great loss to this country.
YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THAT IDIOT BOY PHELPS AND HIS HATE CULT WILL PICKET HER FUNERAL!
ANYONE CONNECTED WITH THE KING FAMILY SHOULD DO WHAT IS NEEDED TO STOP THESE HATEFUL FOOLS BEFORE THEY EVEN GET STARTED!
COME ON KANSAS! SHOW SOME GUTS AND USE EVERY LEGAL TOOL AT YOUR DISPOSAL TO SHUT PHELPS AND HIS HATE CULT DOWN PERMANENTLY!
Lady Donna Marie RoyceMinneapolis, MN
Since no state in this union seems to be able to (Or have the guts.) put a stop to this hateful fool and his mindless ZOMBIES. I say it is high time for the people of any place he takes his hate to, to STAND TOGETHER AND RUN THEM OUT OF TOWN. TARRED AND FEATHERED IF NEEDS BE! This was done in the past with fools and troublemakers to great affect. Why not see if it will work again.
Lady Donna Marie RoyceMinneapolis, MN
Well folks, That BB brain phelps bunch say they are going to be here this Thursday the 23rd in Anoka, MN for the funereal of Cpl. Andrew Kemple. The Patriot Guard will be there and I will be there with the guard as well to protect the Kemple family and friends from these black hearted fools.
I read a news story on BB brain’s site and the reporter stated that the phelps bunch are begging for someone to give them a sound beating and one of these days, they are going to get it. The reporter also reminded the BB brains of a Bible passage, “You reap what you sow.” and I hope that this Thursday, THEY REAP A PILE OF PAIN!
After 8 years of tracking that hate cult on the web and getting soundly cursed with some of the most vulgar words I have had the misfortune to read or hear coming out of two supposedly christian females and one male, I AM FINALLY GOING TO FACE THEM AND TRY TO DROWNED OUT THEIR HATE FOR A WHILE!
Perhaps this will get this State to pass funereal protection and anti picketing laws like the other 13 States and our neighbor State of Wisconsin have. I HOPE IT DOES!
Wish me luck all!
Lady Donna Marie RoyceMinneapolis, MN
Good luck lady, but dont let them bait you into a bad decision. We want you safe and on the streets (as in not locked up) for a very long time.
The first ammendment doesn’t apply to the inferior thought and speech that phelps and his sub-human, inbred church espouse. The only way to stop this animal is to kill him and every family member that backs him. The only thing stopping that from happening is the law. And because of that, I won’t risk it but I fully support anybody who would be so inclined to take that chance. Lets make an example of this sub-human inbred baboon. Burn westboro baptist!