Jury awards father $11M in funeral case

[Oscar]

Jury awards father $11M in funeral case By ALEX DOMINGUEZ, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 33 minutes ago



BALTIMORE - A grieving father won a nearly $11 million verdict Wednesday against a fundamentalist Kansas church that pickets military funerals out of a belief that the war in Iraq is a punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.

Albert Snyder of York, Pa., sued the Westboro Baptist Church for unspecified damages after members demonstrated at the March 2006 funeral of his son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq.

The jury first awarded $2.9 million in compensatory damages. It returned in the afternoon with its decision to award $6 million in punitive damages for invasion of privacy and $2 million for causing emotional distress.

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

Church members routinely picket funerals of military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying signs such as "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "God hates fags."

A number of states have passed laws regarding funeral protests, and Congress has passed a law prohibiting such protests at federal cemeteries. But the Maryland lawsuit is believed to be the first filed by the family of a fallen serviceman.

The church and three of its leaders ????????? the Rev. Fred Phelps and his two daughters, Shirley Phelps-Roper and Rebecca Phelps-Davis, 46 ????????? were found liable for invasion of privacy and intent to inflict emotional distress.

Even the size of the award for compensating damages "far exceeds the net worth of the defendants," according to financial statements filed with the court, U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett noted.

Snyder claimed the protests intruded upon what should have been a private ceremony and sullied his memory of the event.

The church members testified they are following their religious beliefs by spreading the message that soldiers are dying because the nation is too tolerant of homosexuality.

Their attorneys maintained in closing arguments Tuesday that the burial was a public event and that even abhorrent points of view are protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion.

Earlier, church members staged a demonstration outside the federal courthouse. Church founder Fred Phelps held a sign reading "God is your enemy," while Shirley Phelps-Roper stood on an American flag and carried a sign that read "God hates fag enablers." Members of the group sang "God Hates America" to the tune of "God Bless America."

Snyder sobbed when he heard the verdict, while members of the church greeted the news with tightlipped smiles.


source: yahoo.com

haha!

As a homosexual who lost my brother in Iraq, I am so glad that these people are being held accountable this truly descuting behavior. As an atheist, I am so entertained at the idea of God spreading his message through the workings of the Bush administration.

Well, thats because the Westboro fanatics are complete nut jobs.

Secondly, I havent seen a single piece of Gods message thats been "spread" through Bush's administration or any other president Ive ever read or studied. The message doesnt get spread through politics. Enforced? Maybe. Actually spread and demostrated in a proper manner that people might see and go "oh, that actually makes more sense" No. Not through politics. Anyone who thinks the message is trying to be spread, or is being spread through his administration simply has no concept of the real message and is just buying into the junk thats being thrown their way by citizens on pedastals preaching what they know nothing about.

there assholes, im thankfull they got in trouble, hopefully that'll shut them up. there an embarassment to mankind.

They probably want the publicity of the suit.

[Coasterkidmwm]

GOOD!. Finally a small amount of justice in this. They have worse coming I assume.

These people are asses. If there going to talk about our people saying how thats a punishment for us tollerationg gays then there dumb. And to stand on our flag should be a crime of even higher ability to be punished by.

im writing a report about them and it's due tomorrow. im gonna rant the entire time, hahaha.

It's about time.

Originally posted by Spongemonkey74

As a homosexual who lost my brother in Iraq, I am so glad that these people are being held accountable this truly descuting behavior. As an atheist, I am so entertained at the idea of God spreading his message through the workings of the Bush administration.

As an active military member you have my condolences for your brother's loss and thanks for his service. As a preacher, the same applies. However, this is so sad man ... as your post started out so promising. <sigh> I have yet to see Bush or anyone on his staff hold up a Bible to quote from or even give God any claim of anything ... but whatever ... each sees things differently, apparently.

At any rate, this will be overturned in appeal. It is just another sign of the times of being quick to judge before the brain engages.

Originally posted by TConwell

Originally posted by Spongemonkey74

As a homosexual who lost my brother in Iraq, I am so glad that these people are being held accountable this truly descuting behavior. As an atheist, I am so entertained at the idea of God spreading his message through the workings of the Bush administration.

As an active military member you have my condolences for your brother's loss and thanks for his service. As a preacher, the same applies. However, this is so sad man ... as your post started out so promising. <sigh> I have yet to see Bush or anyone on his staff hold up a Bible to quote from or even give God any claim of anything ... but whatever ... each sees things differently, apparently.

At any rate, this will be overturned in appeal. It is just another sign of the times of being quick to judge before the brain engages.

I was speaking about the fact that this group claims the war is a result of the tolerance of homosexuality. They are the ones that are misguided in thinking that God's alleged hate of homosexuals manifests itself in the Bush administration's military actions.

However, I do believe that when Bush was attempting a constitutional ban on gay marriage, he said it was because he was morally opposed to it due to his faith. Seperation of church and state at it's best.

Sponge -- Stop jumping topics. We were talking about the war, and you were implying (not very well mind you) to enter into the topic with Bush's view on gay marriages. Yes, Bush does not approve of gay marriages, no secret there. To be honest, neither do I, but that should not shock you either (pesky Christians unit and strike again, eh?). Hey, maybe we could have us a group that seeks to abolish everything that Christians do to make you feel better? Oh wait, we already have the NAACP.

Anyway, seriously man, try to stay on topic ... especially since you are the second poster in the topic. Or, at least explain yourself so we cretins can keep up.

[jayman]

i know i will get some flak from this..
but is it possible that this will set a bad precedent?
these people are disgusting, and have managed to piss everyone off, BUT
i'm sorry, the constitution trumps all.
we can all be stoked that they are finally getting wacked for this, but whats next? the protestors outside abortion clinics? pornography ? war protestors?
these people deserve to have something bad happen to them they ARE scum,but hopefuly this judgement is within the limits set in our bill of rights.
and besides these people , in my opinion, are being used as a distraction..so blatant that noone pays attention to what "real" conservative christians are capable of. don't for a SECOND think that these people represent the religious right, as soon as you do you will be focused on something that is more of a nusciance than a threat..
on second thought.. i suppose they deserve to be sued for harrasment, which isn't a constitutional right..

[jayman]

Originally posted by TConwell

Originally posted by Spongemonkey74

As a homosexual who lost my brother in Iraq, I am so glad that these people are being held accountable this truly descuting behavior. As an atheist, I am so entertained at the idea of God spreading his message through the workings of the Bush administration.

As an active military member you have my condolences for your brother's loss and thanks for his service. As a preacher, the same applies. However, this is so sad man ... as your post started out so promising. <sigh> I have yet to see Bush or anyone on his staff hold up a Bible to quote from or even give God any claim of anything ... but whatever ... each sees things differently, apparently.

you havent????.. tj, i'm not trying to be abrasive, but anyone with half a brain and any experience with fundamentalist christians knows why people voted for him..

Originally posted by TConwell

Sponge -- Stop jumping topics. We were talking about the war, and you were implying (not very well mind you) to enter into the topic with Bush's view on gay marriages. Yes, Bush does not approve of gay marriages, no secret there. To be honest, neither do I, but that should not shock you either (pesky Christians unit and strike again, eh?). Hey, maybe we could have us a group that seeks to abolish everything that Christians do to make you feel better? Oh wait, we already have the NAACP.

Anyway, seriously man, try to stay on topic ... especially since you are the second poster in the topic. Or, at least explain yourself so we cretins can keep up.

I think it's all self explanitory and not difficult to follow.

1. Group protesting funerals says the war in Iraq is the result of God's wrath over America's tolerance of homosexuality.

2. Sponge says he's ammused that they see God's work being done through Bush's military strategies.

3. Sponge's statement is questioned and mention is made of Bush not hiding behind the Bible.

4. Sponge explains what he meant and then gives an example of Bush hiding behind the Bible in answer to that statement.

5. Sponge is accused of trying to change the topic.


Is that clear enough for you?

Originally posted by jayman

i know i will get some flak from this..
but is it possible that this will set a bad precedent?
these people are disgusting, and have managed to piss everyone off, BUT
i'm sorry, the constitution trumps all.
we can all be stoked that they are finally getting wacked for this, but whats next? the protestors outside abortion clinics? pornography ? war protestors?
these people deserve to have something bad happen to them they ARE scum,but hopefuly this judgement is within the limits set in our bill of rights.
and besides these people , in my opinion, are being used as a distraction..so blatant that noone pays attention to what "real" conservative christians are capable of. don't for a SECOND think that these people represent the religious right, as soon as you do you will be focused on something that is more of a nusciance than a threat..
on second thought.. i suppose they deserve to be sued for harrasment, which isn't a constitutional right..

I completely understand what you mean. And, it's evident in the fact that disturbing the peace arrests weren't made for this. Because of that, the decision will likely be overturned. However, there is a line of decency and respect that shouldn't be crossed. Especially in matters of mourning. I think someone should go after the people who turn funerals for gun violence victims into rallies for gun control also. Funerals are basically religious ceremonies and interrupting them is not really a constitutional issue but it is a legal one. There a whole grey area there.

Originally posted by Spongemonkey74

Originally posted by TConwell

Sponge -- Stop jumping topics. We were talking about the war, and you were implying (not very well mind you) to enter into the topic with Bush's view on gay marriages. Yes, Bush does not approve of gay marriages, no secret there. To be honest, neither do I, but that should not shock you either (pesky Christians unit and strike again, eh?). Hey, maybe we could have us a group that seeks to abolish everything that Christians do to make you feel better? Oh wait, we already have the NAACP.

Anyway, seriously man, try to stay on topic ... especially since you are the second poster in the topic. Or, at least explain yourself so we cretins can keep up.

I think it's all self explanitory and not difficult to follow.

1. Group protesting funerals says the war in Iraq is the result of God's wrath over America's tolerance of homosexuality.

2. Sponge says he's ammused that they see God's work being done through Bush's military strategies.

3. Sponge's statement is questioned and mention is made of Bush not hiding behind the Bible.

4. Sponge explains what he meant and then gives an example of Bush hiding behind the Bible in answer to that statement.

5. Sponge is accused of trying to change the topic.


Is that clear enough for you?

Your first post was not clear, and to this date, I have still not received my gift to read minds. End of discussion.

[Oscar]

I have a crystal ball for sale if you're interested. It may enhance your ability to read minds.

Indeed, put it on eBay for me.

My first post was perfectly clear if you read the entire article. And if it was misunderstood, a simple request to explain it more clearly would have been better than an accusation of intent on pushing some personal agenda.

[jayman]

well.
i for one have a good grasp on the concept of irony.....
it was pretty clear to me..
bush has his war , based on his faith, bush's faith is what he bases his policies on gays on ,crazy white trash redneck people blame death toll in iraq on tolerance of gays..
gimme cookie? or am i too spaced out?

It was rather clear, quite clear, indubitably clear if I may say. TConwell said it was the end of the discussion though, so I guess it ends here. Either way, Fred Phelps is insane, he gets a thumbs down from me. Its about time somebody sued these people.

[Oscar]

Tconwell doesn't end discussions, he is not staff, so carry on with the discussion!

I don't believe for one second they actually believe the crap they're putting out, it gets them publicity.

Yah, hi.

"Thank God for $10.9M!!!



WBC Prayed for it to be $109M!!!



WBC will still preach at funerals!!





Thank you america! You propped up the pudgy-faced God hater to carry your water for you, with the stated goal of bankrupting WBC so we can't preach! Guess what? In less than 24 hours our words have been spread to every corner of the earth via media outlets we couldn't PAY to publish our message. Yes indeed, there are the words, in bright, bold color every place you look, in every corner of the earth. We would have paid $10.9 billion for that kind of coverage!

Guess what else. As long as the Lord our God gives us breath, and He continues to kill your G.I. Joe wannabe brat kids, we will still preach at funerals. Take everything we own, and we'll still preach everywhere the Holy Ghost bids us go! We don't need your filthy money. As our forefathers the prophets did, so will we

"They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented" (Heb. 11:37).

We keep telling you this, and you keep disregarding it, but we'll tell you one more time. The only way you're going to stop this preaching is to kill us all, and if God allows you to accomplish that, it is only because He is about to draw His sword upon all of you."

Originally posted by WeeWeeSlap

Tconwell doesn't end discussions, he is not staff, so carry on with the discussion!

To the contrary ... I do end my part of discussions when it comes to being done with carrying on penny-anti, crap-bickering. Sponge, whatever man. I am glad you made your point cleary and I guess I missed it ...

However, didn't we cover the Westboro Baptist Church folks long ago?

http://www.coastercrazy.com/forum/topic.a ... C_ID=13663
http://www.coastercrazy.com/forum/topic.a ... C_ID=14964
http://www.coastercrazy.com/forum/topic.a ... C_ID=12635

And that is just some of the discussions we had.

Anyway and as always, they are classic entertainment and ample fertilizer for the lawn. Proclaim that you prayed for $10.9M all you want ... just pay up or settle out of bankruptcy, cretins.

It appears though that their website has been taken down (http://www.godhatesfags.com/). Now, before anyone gets their panties in a wad, they use the word fag in reference to the medieval method of bundling firewood together -- this was called a fag (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faggot_%28wood%29). And thus, America is full of fags that will be kindling wood for the fires in hell.

Ah, such stories they must tell one another while reading from the ancient scrolls and being careful not to get lube all over them.