Here in Kansas (the home of WBC), we have adopted the long-time tradition of simply ignoring Phelps and his cronies. If you give them attention they feel important, but if you completely ignore them, they begin to get all pissy and sad.
Although I must admit, it's FUN to mess with them. Some police in certain areas have been known to get 'mysterious' calls to rescue kittens from trees whenever the Phelps crew shows up - i.e. they don't really feel like protecting them anymore.
Many states have adopted laws specifically designed to keep Phelps and his band of vermin from picketing funerals. Their are laws in some states that specifically state a minimum distance at which a funeral can be picketed.
From Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church
"On 29 May 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act (Pub.L. 109-228), prohibiting protests within 300 feet (90 m) of the entrance of any cemetery under control of the National Cemetery Administration from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral.[72] Penalties for violating the act are up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.[72] The bill garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress with a 408?3 vote in the House, with 21 not voting, and a unanimous vote in the Senate.[72]" - Wikipedia
I'm willing to bet the Phelps crowd will get their asses kicked alright - by the law
