Phelpsians lose $10.9 million lawsuit

[Saddle Bronc 124]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7072404.stm

Huge fine for anti-gay US church

A church whose members cheered a soldier's death as "punishment" for US tolerance of homosexuality has been told to pay $10.9m (£5.2m) in damages.

The Westboro Baptist Church was taken to court by the father of Lance Cpl Matthew Snyder, a marine who died serving in Iraq in March 2006.

The church cited its constitutional right to free speech in its defence.

But Albert Snyder's lawyer urged the jury to ensure the damages were high enough to stop the church campaigning.

Members of the church - based in Topeka, Kansas - have denounced homosexuality for years, initially targeting the funerals of Aids victims.

But they later extended their pickets to the funerals of soldiers, who they say are being punished by God because of America's tolerance of homosexuality.

Last year they caused outrage when they attended the funeral of Matthew Snyder with signs reading "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "You're going to hell".

On Wednesday, the jury ordered the church and three of its leaders to pay $2.9m in compensatory damages, and an additional $8m for invasion of privacy and for causing emotional distress.

Albert Snyder's attorney, Craig Trebilcock, had urged jurors to agree an amount "that says 'Don't do this' in Maryland again. Do not bring your circus of hate to Maryland again".

Defence attorney Jonathan Katz's argument that the $2.9m in compensatory damages already far exceeded the defendants' net worth and would be enough to "bankrupt them and financially destroy them" was ignored.

The church, which is unaffiliated with any major denomination, is headed by Fred Phelps. Most of its 70-odd members belong to his extended family.

Appeal

Albert Snyder sobbed when he heard the verdict.

"I hope it's enough to deter them from doing this to other families. It was not about the money. It was about getting them to stop," he said, according to Reuters news agency.

Members of the church, however, reportedly greeted the verdict with tight-lipped smiles.

"It will take the 4^th Circuit of Appeals a few minutes to reverse this silly thing," said Rev Phelps.

Daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper - co-defendant along with another daughter, Rebecca Phelps-Davis - called the verdict a blow against free speech and vowed to continue picketing military funerals.

Using Phelpsian logic about free-speech, it should then be OK for me to take a loud-hailer, stand in Times Square and call for the murders of the Clintons.

So, I pray that the 4^th will add another "0" onto the fine!

[Jasman0717 9]

Morons.....can't we ship them somewhere....like Mars

[JODO 2]

Morons.....can't we ship them somewhere....like Mars

or Iraq

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Morons.....can't we ship them somewhere....like Mars

or Iraq

Not a bad idea, here's a variation on it, au Nejad (Iran President***)

Use them to detect all IED's in Iraq!!!!

***Nejad was in charge of "mine-clearer" recruitment during Iran-Iraq War 1980-1989.

[MrsBruce5 0]

I cannot imagine what self-control and sheer will it took that poor family to stay calm at their mere presence of those fukcsticks at their son's funeral...

God bless them for their self-control...

It's not a matter of freedom of speech. It is a matter of compassion and respect.

Justice was served. I cannot see it being reversed, as it was a military funeral...4th circuit will dismiss the appeal.

[Welshcookie 17]

I don't like to hate but I make an exception for those people......

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I cannot imagine what self-control and sheer will it took that poor family to stay calm at their mere presence of those fukcsticks at their son's funeral...

God bless them for their self-control...

It's not a matter of freedom of speech. It is a matter of compassion and respect.

Justice was served. I cannot see it being reversed, as it was a military funeral...4th circuit will dismiss the appeal.

Unfortunately, IMO, that wouldn't be the right move--I really believe it should increase the fine to $109 million.

[Jennymc11 2]

These people make my blood boil. I wish there was something that could really stop them, otherwise their poor brainwashed children will keep this sick "church" going.

The only comfort I have is that I truly believe they'll burn in hell someday!