I watched this video twice and both times there was one quote that stood out to me. It was given by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and it stated, "the protesters weren't breaking any laws."
Thinking about it legally, she is right. The protesters did not legally do anything wrong. It was in their rights to be at the funeral and express how they felt about American soldiers going to war. The father of the victim even stated, the protesters that were there in favor of the United States Army were welcomed, but the ones opposed to it, should have stayed away.I don't think this is a question of what is legal or illegal. This is a question of what is ethical and unethical. And it was unethical for the members of the Westboro Baptist Church to stand outside of a funeral for a U.S. Solider, holding up signs that said "God hates America" and "America is doomed".
No matter what the law says we, as members of the same society have an obligation to respect the privacy and feelings of other Americans, especially in times of grievance. Margie Phelps, Atternory for the Baptist Church, Said, "When you have a public funeral and you broadcast to the nation that that dead solider is a hero, and that God is blessing America, we will be there and tell you, God is cursing America. It is a curse for your young men and women to be coming home in body bags. And if you want that to stop, stop sinning."
As entitled as she is to her opinion, I cannot agree with it. To think that because it was a public funeral the members of Westboro Baptist Church had the right to interfere with the services is an absurd thought.
I understand it is hard to step into someone else's shoes, especially when strong beliefs are the underlying factor causing actions. But imagine if this was a public funeral for a member of the Westboro Baptist Church and as the services were happening, an Atheist ran into the church and shouted, "This man is lying. There is no heaven," with a sign that said "Six Feet is as deep as it gets." Everyone would find this act to be inhumane.
If I was the father or mother of the young solider that died, I would definitely seek justice for what occured at the funeral. It is not about freedom of speech. It is about crossing a line, and allowing yourself to interupt such a sacred ritual with negativity. And as members of a religious group, the Westboro Baptist Church should have understood this.
I heard about this case, or a similar one, last year. It's really a stretch for them to protest at a funeral. How about they protest at the white house or at a military base -- because they wouldn't feel as powerful? They have their right to free speech, but everyone should have the right to not being harassed at their loved one's funeral. Human courtesy should be taken care of in one of the amendments.
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