Westboro Baptist Church

The Supreme Court has recently agreed to hear an appeal concerning whether the Westboro Baptist Church was within its rights to protest the funeral of a marine with signs such as "God Hates Fags". The Church, primarily comprised of the family of the leader, Fred Phelps, believes that war dead are America's punishment for tolerating homosexuality. Therefore, they protest military funerals. The father of the dead soldier sued for damages based on harassment and mental anguish. After winding its way through the legal system, the Appeals Court found for the church based on the First Amendment. This is the correct decision, and the Supreme Court should and likely will uphold the decision. Though reasonable people may find the speech of the Church members horrifying and disgusting, their right to speak must be recognized, protected and indeed cherished.