ACLU Sues for Anti-Gay Group That Pickets at Troops' Burials

[SmartIdiot]

First of all...

Yes, how dare they keep those disrespectful assholes out of PRIVATE EVENTS. That so totally goes against the first amendment.

^This.

Second of all I have seen a documentary on this particular protest group and they are insane. But don't worry, they'll eventually destroy themselves through inbreeding.

 

[lostclause]

Yes, how dare they keep those disrespectful assholes out of PRIVATE EVENTS. That so totally goes against the first amendment.

Problem is that they're not at a private event, they're on public land (the street) which makes it difficult.

 

[Soulfein]

The first ammendment doesn't to protect polite speech. It protects what you don't want to hear.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

Its the principle of the thing. Freedom of speech and all that should be for everyone. Not just for those whom have something you want to hear. These people are sick, depraved, and completely idiotic. But they have legal right (so far) to do what they do.

They have the legal right to hold unpopular opinions and spew them in public, but do you really believe that right extends to picketing a funeral? Seems like they are infringing on the rights of others if you asked me, and that tends to be where the line gets drawn.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

Yes, how dare they keep those disrespectful assholes out of PRIVATE EVENTS. That so totally goes against the first amendment.

Problem is that they're not at a private event, they're on public land (the street) which makes it difficult.

This is actually irrelevant in the discussion to be honest. The question isn't the legality of the location of a protest but rather it's a question about the legality of the manner of protest and its impact on others.

 

[Knonsense]

Well, at least they're doing what they claim to do. My usual grievance with the ACLU is that, while they have "civil liberties" in their name, they often side with civil rights when they are in conflict with civil liberties.

 

[historybuff]

Man, I think if some dickheads like that were going to use their freedom of speech to picket at my dead son/daughter's funeral...I'd just have to exercise my right to go kick their asses.

 

[GRoXERs]

It doesn't matter if you disagree with them, it is a free speech issue.
They can picket all they want, just as people are free to picket abortion clinics and religious institutions.

Free speech is protected on public land people. They could be saying absolutely horrible things, but as long as it is not a) incitement to riot, b) fighting words, or c) hate speech, it's constitutionally protected, and if we decide to ban it, it won't be long before dissent against the government and its policies are restricted too - and that's grounds for a revolution, according to our founding fathers.

EDIT:

Man, I think if some dickheads like that were going to use their freedom of speech to picket at my dead son/daughter's funeral...I'd just have to exercise my right to go kick their asses.

You don't have that right. Period. You'd be locked up, and quite right too. Now, I'm not saying I wouldn't sympathize with you, but you still can't do that. Find a better, non-violent, legal way.

 

[lostclause]

This is actually irrelevant in the discussion to be honest. The question isn't the legality of the location of a protest but rather it's a question about the legality of the manner of protest and its impact on others.

The location does affect the legality of their protest. You can't do anything about it if they're on public land. The moment they step into your function you could charge them with whatever but until then you can't touch them. Protesting is perfectly legal. The impact on others is irrelevant when it comes to protesting except for public opinion.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

This is actually irrelevant in the discussion to be honest. The question isn't the legality of the location of a protest but rather it's a question about the legality of the manner of protest and its impact on others.

Well yes its sad, but as i stated earlier they stay within the confines of the law. They keep the required distances, for the most part get permits from the city, and they alert the local authorities of their goings on, and they arent violent or destroy property. Thats all legal.

Yes, the essential civil process are legal - that isn't the question here. The question here is if they have the right to infringe upon the funeral proceedings of others. Sure they are keeping the required distance, but if the funeral participants still feel as though their rights are being infringed upon then I'd say this religious group is still stepping beyond the line. I don't care if they run up and down the streets shouting at anybody that will listen that they believe god kills people in the military because of homosexuality. That's all well and good so long as no individual tells them to stop, because the moment someone becomes irritated at what they're being told directly they have every right in the world to stop such nonsense.

Personally, I'd just file for a restraining order that keeps them 1 mile away from funeral processions and routes in progress. If need be, I'd simply advise each and every funeral planner to do so in advance. Such a move is not only perfectly legal, its just as fair as what's being done in the name of god anyway.

 

[Booze Zombie]

Its the principle of the thing. Freedom of speech and all that should be for everyone. Not just for those whom have something you want to hear. These people are sick, depraved, and completely idiotic. But they have legal right (so far) to do what they do.

There's freedom of speech and there's freedom to bury your dead without having to read signs saying "God hates fags".

Quite frankly, I don't care about freedom of speech. This is just about being sensible.

 

[KaiusCormere]

These people are the terrorists of the future.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

This is actually irrelevant in the discussion to be honest. The question isn't the legality of the location of a protest but rather it's a question about the legality of the manner of protest and its impact on others.

The location does affect the legality of their protest. You can't do anything about it if they're on public land. The moment they step into your function you could charge them with whatever but until then you can't touch them. Protesting is perfectly legal. The impact on others is irrelevant when it comes to protesting except for public opinion.

Not in the case in question. If I were to file a restraining order against you that required you to keep a 300 foot distance at all times, it doesn't matter if you're on public land at the time or not. The only time this right is superseded is if I pass within 300 feet of your personal property (such as your home), or the restraining order is overturned.

And, as I've pointed out before the question is not if they are following the correct civil procedure for a demonstration. The question is if their rights to religious expression and speech are being infringed upon. The question you ought to ask here is then a question of the greater good. Someone is going to have their rights infringed upon, be it the funeral goers (who are under no legal obligation to endure harassment and slander) or the fanatics who believe that god has chosen them to deliver his message through their escapades. As far as I'm concerned, they can hold their demonstrations all they want so long as it doesn't interfere with the funeral proceedings in any way shape or fashion.

Remember - your freedom is only protected when your actions are not impeding upon the freedoms of others. This principle has been upheld on multiple occasions in the Supreme Court.

 

[Zand88]

The reason why they should be allowed to sue is that, yes, freedom of speech is nice, but shouldn't you have the right to not have to hear something? At some point, it's just harassment, and should be barred.
Any one who hates the ACLU for this probably already had an inclination to, anyway.

 

[Pendragon9]

I say if my kids were killed in combat, I would have a restraining order against these people.

They come within 5 miles of my funeral, they get their butts in jail. Win win baby.

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

That is one infuriating article.
Come on! Live and let live. I can't believe just how intolerant some people is.
You can't go and picket a funeral, there's people there who are suffering for the loss of a loved one. I doubt their god would approve of such disrespectful stupidity.

These Westboro Baptist Church people are nothing but ignorants and I hope the ACLU loses so they get some time off in jail to think about how idiotic they are. ¬_¬

They have their right to freedom of speech.

But being a dick about it I doesn't wouldn't make people like your side MORE. It would in turn do the opposite.