Funeral protesters sue Nixon, Blunt
Published Feb. 2, 2007
Shirley Phelps-Roper and the Westboro Baptist Church have taken another step in their mission of protesting homosexuality by filing a lawsuit against Missouri government officials, including Gov. Matt Blunt and Attorney General Jay Nixon.
The Westboro Baptist Church was founded by Fred Phelps, Phelps-Ropers' father. He has been traveling "the mean streets of doomed America" for 16 years claiming God hates homosexuality and therefore, is allowing people of the United States to suffer. Phelps-Roper said this is the cause of events such as Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina.
As for Missouri, Phelps-Roper has said that some recent events are a result of God punishing citizens who have dissented against the beliefs of Westboro Baptist Church.
"That was a treat from your god that God put your children in the hands of a pedophile," Phelps-Roper said in reference to the kidnapping and discovery of two boys in Kirkwood, Mo., a few weeks ago.
Another event she claimed was punishment was the death of 14 people in a nursing home fire.
The lawsuit was brought forth as a response to a Missouri law, which sets criminal restrictions on picketing funeral locations. U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan refused to block enforcement of the ban while its constitutionality is decided. According to the U.S. District Court for Western Missouri's office, a scheduling order has been sent out. The case is set for bench trial on Jan. 22, 2008.
Phelps-Roper said the state of Missouri's "legislative Taliban" passed the law. She said the legislature thumbed its nose at the oath of office, and the governor signed their unconstitutional measures and "flipped off their God."
In a news release, Nixon stated the ban is needed to limit hate.
"There has to be a line drawn and enforced against hate, particularly when that hate victimizes the families of those who sacrificed their lives for our country," Nixon stated in the release. "I am gratified that Judge Gaitan has agreed with us that this law can be enforced."
Westboro Baptist Church has several attorneys, including Phelps-Roper's eight siblings and husband. Phelps-Roper claims the church is not suing for monetary value.
"I don't want your stinking money," she said. "God is kicking your state's ass. It may be God is going to allow us to preach directly to the God-forsaken United States Supreme Court."
Phelps-Roper said the U.S. Supreme Court is responsible for the wrath of God.
"This nation went a-whoring after other gods," she said. "Every day, this nation teaches rebellion against God. You have broken the moral compass of this nation. You can change your sex partners and your spouses more often than you change your undergarments."