US

Westboro Baptists Offer Compromise: No Funeral Protests in Exchange for Free Publicity

As public outcry mounts over the Westboro Baptist Church‘s planned protests at the funeral of last Saturday’s shooting incident in Tucson, Ariz., the group‘s leaders have agreed to avoid Thursday’s funeral of the youngest victim, 9-year-old Christina Taylor, in exchange for live interviews on radio programs in Canada and Arizona, the AP reports.

Shirley Phelps-Roper of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka says the group still plans to picket the Friday funeral of U.S. District Judge John Roll, who was also killed in the shooting targeting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. It‘s unclear what WBC’s anti-homosexual message has to do with the victims of the shooting, but it appears the group’s largest goal is getting attention in the media.

On Tuesday, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a law passed by the state legislature that places restrictions on the protest groups‘ access to the victims’ funerals and grieving family members. “This bill passed unanimously out of both houses of the Arizona Legislature and represents a truly bipartisan effort to assure that grieving families and friends will be free from harassment and intimidation at the funerals of their loved ones,” Brewer said in a statement.

Comments (181)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:02pm

    now we “bargain” with “Christians”. Let them come and parade and go to jail and for their defiance – let them pay enormous fines that will cause them to sell their church – since they have already sold their souls.

    have the funeral in Joe Arpaio’s turf. they would look cool in pink underwear in tents out in the desert.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
  • Pragmatica
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:01pm

    I see almost the same level of hate and vitriol from some of the posters on The Blaze directed at the Obama Administration!

    Report Post » Pragmatica  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:08pm

      Well, YOU define hate in your own self, according to your predetermined precepts. Let’s leave you to your own understanding.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • Pragmatica
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:42pm

      By all objective metrics there is some hate on The Blaze… Not a ton but def some that is unwarranted!

      Report Post » Pragmatica  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 1:26am

      Please take your “PC” tendencies and try to toss them in the trash. If you’re able to do this you will soon hear a “Pop” noise as your head pops out of your REAR! At the same time, the world will start to smell a little better, even look brighter…. and you might finally see the only HATE that is ever coming across these comments is from LIBERALS…. Remember… up is down, right is wrong and smart is ALWAYS quite STUPID when it comes to commie liberals. There’s an actual difference between “Hate” and a “Difference of opinion”… you liberals confuse the two like so many things. I think this is mainly because your ideas SUCK. The Road to Hell is Paved with “good Intentions”…. this is essentially the best definition of Liberalism. How do I know? I used to be one.

      Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
  • moonlight on the bay
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:59pm

    I just wonder if this so-called church groups picks and chooses which funerals to protest at. I mean, are there funerals that they’re AFRAID to picket at? Just wondering if a bullet has ever whizzed through their crowd of protestors. Do they have security to protect them from that?

     
    • Eblaze44
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:03pm

      that is a totally uncalled for comment. now you fall in just where the Dem Libs want you – inciting violence.

      Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:06pm

      Well, they weren‘t at Ted Kennedy’s burial.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:59pm

    I can see tomorrow’s headlines:

    “Right Wing Extremists Bar Church’s Right to Free Speech”

    We know how this is going to go.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:56pm

    The devil is in this group & for now they are protected by their master. But once they run the course I am sure they will be on Oprah’s new network. So Hell is a coming.

    Report Post »  
    • DeVain
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:31pm

      Satanist don’t want to claim them either! I counter protested them myself!!!

      Report Post » DeVain  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:56pm

    Compromise? You’re in no position to be making demands Westobor–here’s your compromise; you DON’T get to make your hate parade go through the funeral of 9 year old girl! Go bother someone else! I‘m not saying you don’t have freedom of speech, I‘m saying THIS circumstance ISN’T protected by your right to freedom of speech, that that right DOES have outer boundaries, and THIS is one of them.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:56pm

    quick! get all those vile inhuman Westboro monsters in the same room and drop a Xyklon B tablet in the wall vent!!

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • grannyjojo
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:54pm

    These people, of course, are not christians and have proven to the world exactly what they ARE. They are a group of nothing else but publicicity seeking, amoral, unethical, uncaring group of people I have ever had first hand knowledge of. What a shame they are in this country and call themselves Americans. My vote, even if it doesn’t count, is to tell these “people”, HELL NO, do your best because WE don’t give in to this type blackmail. The folks in Arizona will take care of you if you show up so you need to re-think about what you are considering doing. It will be a most uncomfortable, unpleasant day for you if you decide to “protest”. And one last thing, IF you truely believe your decisions are from the Lord, you best prostate yourselves on the ground while praying as hard as you can to hear what the Lord is TRUELY saying. Otherwise all I can say is May God have mercy on your souls.

    Report Post »  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:52pm

    Free Publicity? You kiddin’? The pub that they’ve already seen is too much. Stop covering them, and let the recently passed law kick in, and what have you got?

    Not much. — Let that happen!

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:50pm

    Tell me, you libs, where were vile people like this protesting at the funeral of Ted Kennedy?

    I triple-dog dare you (that’s a joke at you, BTW)

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • TurnRight
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:48pm

    Pigs have more value then these “so called” people.

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:44pm

    These people are only doing for publicity in the first place. Why give them what they want?

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:42pm

    These people just declared themselves. Perfect…

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • fyvagirl
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:39pm

    I said this the other day about them just wanting media coverage!!! If any tv channels agree they should be fired and not be on any airwaves!! This group of so-called christians is not what being a Christian is about!! I will pray that even with the new law just passed that the community comes together and blocks any all access to any of the funerals that will be happening in the next few days. God Bless those families who have lost loved ones and may the injured continue to heal.

    Report Post » fyvagirl  
  • VanGrungy
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:39pm

    When it was just soldiers, at least they had a veneer of legitimacy for left leaners… now… well… maybe a Twinkie could do us all a favor.. ya think?

    *disclaimer (this is a satirical comment, no request is being made)

    Report Post » VanGrungy  
  • Avidmonkey
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:38pm

    Vile creatures, perverse in all their ways.

    Report Post » Avidmonkey  
    • Hobo Boondocks
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:36pm

      Say…Westboro Baptists, get a load of this: Extortion-the act of securing money, favors, etc by intimidation or violence; blackmail. Also, 1 Corinthians, chap.6, verse 10 says extortioners will not inherit the Kingdom of God. You want to rethink that ‘offer’? I know what you’re thinking; the scripture doesn’t apply to you. Why not?

      Report Post »  
  • B4B
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:36pm

    I’m certain the ACLU will provide the legal team for these fools to get the AZ law overturned. No matter, at least it’ll keep them away ( albeit only 300′ ) from the funerals and memorials in the near term.

    Report Post »  
  • Buckaroo
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:35pm

    they’ve already gotten the free publicity, so they should never be allowed to protest any funeral — EVER.

    /meeting them 1/2 way

    Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:35pm

    No compromise. Do your dirt, and let the world see you as you are.

    If those people were so sure of their position, they wouldn’t offer a compromise. They face retaliation, so they retreat to the second-stage.

    BAH! They revealed themselves.Take that as you see fit.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:34pm

    These people should be sharing the same rubber room with the Arizona shooter. They are every bit as insane and just as likely to go off and shoot somebody.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:18pm

      Those people are without any honor or dignity. Worthless, good for nothing people.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:33pm

    Exactly the way Kim Jong-il handles similar situations, weird.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • Willie Wonka
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:30pm

    I’ve got a feeling that this will be the last “protest” by the Westboro animals.

    Report Post »  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:58pm

      They backed out pretty fast. Now I think the radio stations should reneg on their offer. WBC isn’t coming here if they have a lick of self preservation.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • Insipid
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:30pm

    Blah Blah Blah, I can remember when the came to my hometown to do a protest. Thank heavens for a united community and a local press that was smart enough not to even cover the event. These slimeballs need to go back under the rock from where they were spawned.

    Report Post » Inbred Jed  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:29pm

    Do not negotiate with terrorists! F.O.
    http://guerillatics.com

    Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:15pm

      I won’t give you grief if you give me free publicity.
      That is blackmail isn’t it? Isn’t blackmail a crime?

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:30pm

      I wish the radio stations had not agreed to give these hate mongers air time. There was a meeting to organize a human shield, there were 250 people there just to organize. There was no way the WBC pukes were going to get anywhere near that funeral. There was even a group who made giant angel wings to help shield the funeral goers from the hateful WBC

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • EgoBrain
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:31pm

      I‘m breaking the Blaze community’s cardinal rule, and commenting on a story I haven’t read/watched…

      Am I to understand, they may get what they want? And why?

      Report Post » EgoBrain  
    • EP46
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 7:26am

      Oh ironman….you said the ‘t’ word……
      I have read that there will be enough people, and of course the biker group that goes to these funerals, to keep this group away. The bikers have been great creating a shield to protect mourners from these terrorists……oops, I said the ‘t’ word too !

      Report Post »  
  • TX Progressive
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:28pm

    These dudes are truly evil…

    Report Post »  
    • Wdawg
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:31pm

      Also people that comment on this website are evil… you are all filled with hate in hearts. I think the rest of the country should leave you people behind. you are the crazy 5% of the population that should be in jail!

      Wdawg  
    • Reagan/DeMint.disciple
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:35pm

      LMAO are they f-in serious ? yeah, thats all you have to do.. encourage those morons.. geez don’t they have just a little bit of a life that they can tend to ?

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • Reagan/DeMint.disciple
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:36pm

      Well then. I guess your coming to jail with the sane 45% of us..

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • B4B
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:38pm

      TY WDAWG.
      Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment.
      I’ll merely wait patiently for you to leave us behind.
      Be sure to send us a postcard.

      Report Post »  
    • Ranubis
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:42pm

      Let them TRY to protest that little girls funeral. Their fate is in there owe hands.

      Report Post » Ranubis  
    • lcam67
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:42pm

      @wdawg
      you just made a comment on this site…. hypocrite, please go away

      Report Post » lcam67  
    • Sledgehammer
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:49pm

      To Wdawg, do you my friend, ever have to be reminded to breath? G0 to NPR, ABC, CBS, or any other sight that allows you to comment, these folks have the facts (you do know what facts are?) where as the left does not require the facts, sure we get it wrong once in a great while, thats life, live and learn. OK, now in with the good air, good, now out with the bad air, repeat.

      Report Post » Sledgehammer  
    • AlaskaRick
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:50pm

      WDAWG, lol!!!

      Hey, how did Loughner get access to the Internet?

      Report Post » AlaskaRick  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:01pm

      wdawg only posted the one time? What is he, a hit and run troll? Doesn’t even have the stones to come back and follow up? Us evil Beckites must really scare him!

      Report Post »  
    • AlaskaRick
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:13pm

      I‘m pretty sure it’s because his mom said it was bedtime.

      Report Post » AlaskaRick  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:29pm

      BLACKMAIL …. extortion….. wow these people are low! Never give into blackmail!

      WDAWG .. speak for yourself .. if you think it is evil then GO AWAY!

      Report Post »  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:32pm

      What do you expect out of a Democrat hate group? What is the difference between Westboro Baptist and the way some Democrats have exploited the tragedy in Tuscan? There is none. They crossed a line and will forever be thought of in the same ways as Fred Phelps and his merry band of Democrat followers. Never forget Fred’s fund raising for Algore. Al has never denounced Fred nor given the money back. We must assume Al supports Fred.

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:34pm

      Please Lord forgive them. They know not what they do because they obviously don’t read their bibles.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:35pm

      There was NO REASON to cave to their DEMANDS…are you kidding me? Do you realize that the people of their community had planned to show up in full support and out number them! Who is the Arizona station that is doing this, anyone know?

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:46pm

      I’ve got a compromise for them: don‘t show your ugly bigoted faces and we won’t pound them to hamburger.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:48pm

      Welp fellow Beckites…duct tape your heads…cause they are gonna E X P L O D E !!!!!

      Margie Phelps, an attorney for the Westboro Baptist Church, said the decision was not based on outside pressure but rather on how much publicity the church can receive.

      “It’s how many ears we can reach,” she said. “That is our job, that is our goal.”

      The Kansas congregation is known for demonstrating at the funerals of U.S. soldiers, arguing that their deaths are retribution by God for America’s acceptance of homosexuality. The group announced it would protest at the funeral of 9-year-old shooting victim Christina Green, scheduled for Thursday, because her family was Catholic, and at Roll’s funeral, scheduled for Friday, because he was a federal judge and the church felt his colleagues on the bench had acted against it.

      Church members also had planned to picket at the shopping center where Saturday’s deadly rampage took place.

      Arizonans immediately condemned the planned protests, with the Legislature passing emergency measures to prohibit protests within 300 feet of any funeral services and hundreds of Tucson residents making plans to physically shield the victims’ families from seeing the protesters.

      “That’s great news, actually, that’s awesome,” said Trevor Hill, a University of Arizona junior who was trying to coordinate groups that formed in the aftermath of Westboro’s announcement of planned protests, referring to the cancellation.

      He said it was unfortunate that the church’s members would get a platform to broadcast their views but said the tradeoff was worth it, and he thanked the radio stations.

      “The Steve Sanchez Show” in Phoenix and the nationally syndicated “Mike Gallagher Show” out of New York both offered what Phelps called “substantial air time” to the church. About six other stations did as well.

      Sanchez told the Topeka Capital-Journal that as a Christian he disagreed with the church‘s viewpoints but believed giving a church spokeswoman 30 minutes of air time to keep picketers away from Green’s funeral was a worthwhile sacrifice.

      “Of course she wants her platform,” Sanchez said. “I looked at it this way: I’m a grown man, and I can stand 30 minutes of her.”

      Phelps said the group had made no decisions about whether it would picket the four other victims’ funerals.

      “This trip is off,” she said. “That doesn‘t mean a future trip isn’t on.”

      WHAT THE **** IS GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY…THEY HAVE TURNED THIS ENTIRE TRAGIC EVENT INTO A THREE-RING CIRCUS…Goodnight my friends…I’ve had enough for one day!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:52pm

      Wait…. They are giving them what they want?? (publicity)
      That’s crazy! All it will do is encourage others. Why reward bad behavior? You are training them to be blackmailers, in the same way you train a dog by giving them treats at the wrong time.

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • Joey8
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:56pm

      everyone remember, Mormons aren’t Christian but these Baptists are.

       
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:12pm

      See, it’s all about the publicity. How kind of them to consider not protesting at the funeral of a murdered child for FREE publicity.

      I say NO WAY!!!~ Let them protest. Let them hold up their signs. The residents and many others that can get there will stand between them and their quarry as human shields.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • 123gone
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:18pm

      TX – You’re right, they are evil.

      Anyone willing to negotiate with them is no better than they are and should be ran out of office !!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:38pm

      Using the logic of this website, these self-proclaimed Christians represent all Christians in the world, just as the handful of Muslims who make their way into the news represent the one billion plus Muslims in the world. There are more Christians in this Westboro than Muslims that have committed acts of terrorism against the United States.

      So why is it we so easily condemn 1/5 of the world’s population based on the actions of a few, and yet are so ready to say this church does not represent Christianity?

      jzs  
    • Dootuz
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:42pm

      WDAWG says that people who post on this site are evil? Didn’t you just post on this site? Dumb…

      And wow this church is just insane. God would never be happy at this. He sent Jesus so we could love not hate.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 12:11am

      Can you dig THAT action, boy? CAN you?

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 7:44am

      How ’bout JAIL TIME!

      Report Post »  
    • terryu1
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 8:24am

      Do not cave in to these a-holes. Let them show up and then surround them like we did a few months ago when they showed up at the funeral of our fallen hero, Dale J. Kridlo in Pittson PA. They were sequestered a few blocks away from the church and very few people knew they were there. Surround and intimidate but DO NOT confront them. That is what they want. They live on lawsuits. Surround but do not interact.

      Report Post » terryu1  
    • Pocono Countryboy
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 9:04am

      These counterfeit Christians need to be met with civilian resistance every time they show up anywhere.

      Report Post »  
    • ARMOR BEARER 147
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 9:47am

      @JZS The difference being “Radical” Muslims ARE FOLOWING the teachings, commands, and traditions of Mohummad and the Koran when they follow: “Fight them, Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to disgrace, and assist you against them and heal the hearts of a believing people.” Koran [9.14]
      or “O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).” Koran [9.123]
      again, “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah” Koran [8.39].

      But the Westboro Baptists ARE FOLLOWING CONTRARY to the teachings of Christ and The Bible.

      “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 —-[-

      “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?” 1 Corinthians 5:12 —-[-

      “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.” 1 Timothy 4:2 —-[-

      “Speak the Truth in Love” Ephesians 4:15 —-[-

      I know you can quote verses from the Torah (Old Testement) about killing ememies etc. However, God has developed His people through their history and sufferings and The Sacrifice of Christ and His Resurrection to where the former covenant of (Law and Death) is done away with and New Covenant (of Grace and Peace) is established.

      Allah and Mohummad have had no such transformation.

      Report Post » ARMOR BEARER 147  
    • CaptGregg
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 11:49am

      This isn’t the first time these vultures have made a similar trade-off.

      One of these days, somebody will get pi$$ed enough at them to start shooting.

      Report Post »  
    • JESUS-IS-LORD
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 11:50am

      This group is simply warning mankind just as I would. If the message makes you angry, then you understand subconsciously that it is truth. They surely aren’t lying about anything, it’s all in the Bible. You cannot deny and mock God! Do you think you’re going to get away with sinning and blaspheming all your life and not pay for it? That’s foolishness. He will be for you if your righteous or He will be against you if you are wicked. It’s really your choice if you have faith in Him or not. Just know that you will be judged by the Holy Father! If I were you, I would choose to accept Jesus Christ. Amen.

      Report Post » JESUS-IS-LORD  
    • tantech
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 12:12pm

      Here’s some free publicity for YOU – WestBoro – SUCK MY **CK!

      Report Post »  
    • Clive
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 1:34pm

      “CultureWarriors”
      You think the westboro are democrats, although their resounding message is “we are being punished because of homosexuals”. hmmm. sounds clearly tea partyish. The fear of gays, the misinformation, the hatred of another group…. yep, thats the tea party.

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 3:25pm

      Isnt this how the ACLU , Al Sharpton and The Black Panthers got a platform?

      Report Post »  
    • USNVET66-70
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 3:56pm

      Agreed, you don’t protest at any more funerals and we will gladly televise your funeral when the time comes.

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 7:29pm

      Awww, WDAWG!! Hush up now. Tuck yerself in and sleep tight, you wacky Manchurian Moonbat …

      Report Post »  
    • LetTheTruthSpill
      Posted on January 14, 2011 at 7:40am

      I am so surprised that someone in the government hasn,t used all their power to silence these nutjobs,seriously,fair call to free speech but to picket funerals for their own agenda?? These people,for the want of a better word,behave worse than animals,totally despicable and shameful.

      Report Post »  
  • broker0101
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:50pm

    TINYDD, Well said! You are the new, official Blaze Poster Child! Congratulations! I’m sure many here share your eloquently stated belief that, “Jesus is going WTF”.

    Report Post » broker0101  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 9:59pm

    lol, have to give it to you Broker, but you got a point there. lol…

    Report Post »  
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