Fred Phelps is being.... Fred Phelps

[KnitShoni]

It always amazes me when people claim to KNOW when others are going to hell. Last I checked, my relationship with God was between two people: Him, and me. No one else.

[crazylegs]

They even tried to cross the border into Canada one time. Landed at the airport and was subsequently told if they set foot outside of it, they would be detained and extradited for attempting to incite a riot.

They have also been banned from the UK for "fostering extremism or hatred"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8033060.stm

I was actually a little sad when I realised that they wouldn't be able to protest here - simply because as soon as they got their banners out they would be arrested for religious/homophobic public order incidents (sec 5 of the public order act states the following - " A person is guilty of an offence if they use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or displays and writing sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby")

The great thing about Sec 5? You don't actually need someone who is actually offended, merely that someone of reasonably firm mind would be so.

Greater punishments apply when homophobia/religious hatred is added.

[Fryk]

Then maybe someone should start one. When I get steady work again and can afford to travel to Kansas, if no one else has done it yet, then I will be the first.
Anyone with me?

[AdminAssistant]

I haven't looked yet, but does anyone know of any gay advocacy groups that have protested outside of their church?

There have been many counter protests at places where they are protesting, but I don't know of anyone protesting their church.

[Fryk]

When that happens, MadMike, name the time. I'll be there!

[MadMike]

I haven't looked yet, but does anyone know of any gay advocacy groups that have protested outside of their church?

I don't know, but I think when he dies, they should picket his funeral. Fair's fair, right?

[Fryk]

I haven't looked yet, but does anyone know of any gay advocacy groups that have protested outside of their church?

[Nyoibo]

I'm sure if I met the Phelpses I'd be able to ignore them, the "Oh god the pain, why would you do this, for the love of god please stop" is easy to ignore.

[Wingates_Hellsing]

People are easier to ignore when they're dead, preemptive self defense!

Wait, my legal department has informed me that that is actually... illegal.

carry on

I think we should try the larger fire method, have pride parades and juvanile antics beyond their feeble comprehension overblow them wherever they show their faces

[Fryk]

If that IS on their sign, they crossed out the wrong word. Cross out the other one and I'll take notice.

[fireheart17]

Isn't that cruelty to animals? Think of the indigestion!

*snerk*

I'm so glad I finished my drink BEFORE I read that comment.

As for Fred Phelps and being ignored...it's somewhat hard to ignore someone no matter how hard you try. Especially if that person tends to be waving signs that say "death to all humans fags"

[Bloodsoul]

Isn't that cruelty to animals? Think of the indigestion!

[Gravekeeper]

I'll pay attention to him when it changes to "Fred Phelps is being.....set upon by wolves on live TV".

[Stormraven]

Ignoring him and his ilk is one good suggestion - unfortunately, it's one they're well used to, and they've long since developed ways to drive past almost anyone's ignore filter.

My suggestion is, as it has been every time he's brought up, to laugh at them. Getting angry doesn't do anything - they not only expect it, they desire it. Anger and hatred validate them (in their own eyes, anyway) but people like that cannot abide laughter. They can't stand being laughed at, and can't respond properly to it.

[Nyoibo]

From memory Phelps WAS a lawyer, he was disbarred a while ago.