The Westboro Baptist Church has never been one to be talked about fondly. Commonly known as the most hated family in America, the Phelps’ are notorious for picketing and protesting against soldiers funerals and homosexuality. The Church is made up of mostly Fred’s extended family and has inspired a federal law and laws in numerous states limiting picketing at funerals. However, they also brewed a monumental supreme court case that states the church and its members can’t be sued for damages for inflicting pain on families at funerals because of the first amendment.
So now the world is asking, will the picketing stop because of the death of the church’s founders? Unfortunately, it seems that the family is dedicated in continuing Fred’s legacy. The day after Phelps’ death members of the church responded by saying “It’s no different today. Duty is the same”, as they picketed on 17th and Gage in the city of Topeka. On Thursday they even sent out a tweet saying “Westoboro Baptist church thanks God for Fred Phelps Sr.’s passing”.
On the other hand, most people just hope that the hated picketing will just evolve into nothing. One woman stood outside the church handing out free “No Fred” buttons, while the former mayor of Topeka stated that having them in the city does no well to its’ image.
Personally, I can not say that I am necessarily happy about the death of one of the most ridiculous and evil men on the planet, as I do not wish death upon anyone, but as Clarence Darrow states “I have never wished a man dead, but I have read many an obituary with great pleasure.” The Westboro Baptist church will not be holding a funeral for their founder, I guess they’re a little afraid of getting a taste of their own medicine.