Suing Westboro
I DON’T THINK THIS WILL HELP: Father of Slain Marine Sues Church, Pastor
WaPo:
Attorneys for the father of a Marine whose funeral in Westminster, Md., was disrupted by members of a Kansas church who displayed signs proclaiming anti-gay statements filed a civil lawsuit in federal court in Greenbelt yesterday against the church and its pastor….The lawsuit accuses Phelps and his followers of defamation, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
While it’s clear that the Westboro Baptist Church, headed by Fred Phelps, is a pack of lunatics, I have trouble believing that this lawsuit is going to be successful. And when it’s dismissed or the judge rules against the Marine’s father it’s going to be perceived among some as a vindication for the group and a validation of their actions.
For pics of the Westboro bunch outside of a military funeral, and the Patriot Rider-organized screen, see Outside the funeral for Sgt. Rick Herrema of Hudsonville, MI
–cross-posted from Murdoc Online