Published: February 8, 2006
As many of you might know, Coretta Scott King died Jan. 31. King, the widow of celebrated civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., was renowned worldwide as an activist in her own right.
Though many mourn her passing, there are people who choose instead to picket the funeral of such a celebrated and respected woman.
Self-stylized minister, Fred Phelps, who heads the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, picketed King’s funeral with members of his church. Phelps labeled King a “homosexual enabler” on his Web site, www.godhatesfags.com.
Phelps and his congregation have staged other completely inappropriate protests, such as celebrating the death of Matthew Shepard, who was killed eight years ago in a hate crime, and attempting to picket a memorial service for Fred Rogers, better known as “Mr. Rogers.”
Phelps is also picketing the Kentucky legislature as they attempt to pass the “Let Them Rest in Peace” Act, a law that will prohibit picketing or protesting at grave sites. The law will require that protests take place 500 feet from gravesites and one hour after the funeral.
Several states have already passed the law, much to Phelps’ dismay. Ohio state representative John Boccieri (D), who introduced the bill to the Ohio Senate, referred to Phelps and his organization as a “hate-group.”
According to Phelps, the law is against “God’s will,” but this is coming from the man who tried to picket Mr. Rogers.