Justices Rule for Protesters at Military Funerals

boombala

boombala

Active Member
3 3 1 1 1
Somewhat Known I Like It a Lot 15 Year Club
Justices Rule for Protesters at Military Funerals

By ADAM LIPTAK

Published: March 2, 2011

WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-to-1 decision.

"Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority. “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”

But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.” Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
...

Rest of article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/03/us/03scotus.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2

I was curious as to which way Judges would rule on this case. Looks like the Patriot Guard Riders will have to step up their efforts to shield the picketers from the funerals, etc.
 
I agree that the first admendment does protect that right, however, I see no reason why the owners of the private places where funerals and services take place shouldn't have improved rights to remove protesters and picketers from their land and the surrounding entrances.
 
Zorak said:
I agree that the first admendment does protect that right, however, I see no reason why the owners of the private places where funerals and services take place shouldn't have improved rights to remove protesters and picketers from their land and the surrounding entrances.
Click to expand...

I heard this story on NPR last night and remember catching that the Westboro Baptist Church makes sure that they're on public land as to avoid lawsuites.
 
I watched a documentary on Westboro a while ago, and it seems just like they are clever enough to dance around the law, the funeral go-ers are as well. A lot of the funeral groups have started getting biker clubs to park right by the protesters and rev their engines so their chants are drowned out. The church can't do anything either because the bikers are on public land too, or have permission from the owners of private land.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
One very cool thing about fred phelps and his hateful ilk is they gave rise to the Patriot Guard Riders:

http://www.patriotguard.org/

Out of ignorance and hate rises love & compassion. Truly the message of Christ that falls on deaf ears w/westboro.

If you can, donate to the Riders. Especially w/gas prices as they are.

Free Speech. Gotta love what can come out of it.:usa:
 
I saw that and was floored. I mean, I see where the decision came from, I really do.

But don't they realize that these people give up so much for them, and the least they can do is not be dicks about it? It's not that individual's fault we are doing what we are doing- it's a much bigger thing than one person. But they do what they are asked because it is a commitment they made and are honoring. They deserve at least honor and respect in return.
 
Zorak said:
I agree that the first admendment does protect that right, however, I see no reason why the owners of the private places where funerals and services take place shouldn't have improved rights to remove protesters and picketers from their land and the surrounding entrances.
Click to expand...
:nod::nod: I never liked debate btw... Freedom of speech is stretched too far.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Back
Top