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Should Westboro Baptist Church be Guaranteed First Amendment Protection?
milomorris:
--- Quote from: Clyde-B on March 17, 2010, 10:04:16 am ---
Is it legal to advocate and incite both of these acts? The question is where do you draw the line?
--- End quote ---
This question has been raised in the past regarding gangsta rap that contains lyrics about killing cops, raping women, killing gays, etc. So far, that is still protected speech.
Clyde-B:
--- Quote from: milomorris on March 17, 2010, 11:11:24 am ---This question has been raised in the past regarding gangsta rap that contains lyrics about killing cops, raping women, killing gays, etc. So far, that is still protected speech.
--- End quote ---
I believe their argument was to the effect that they were describing the world in their art and not advocating anything.
Westboro Baptists are definitely advocates.
Mikaela:
I voted "yes" because I think it's better they be allowed to state their opinions freely, thus showing the world what they are, than that they be couted martyrs for the cause in being shut down.
Nevertheless, I don't think the Freedom of Speech should trump all other laws and regulations at any time. So for instance, if they're disturbing the peace (say, at cemetaries) they should be removed. And if they abuse their children (I think what they force their poor kids to do and say constitute abuse) the kids should be removed. Etc.
Marge_Innavera:
--- Quote from: Kerry on March 16, 2010, 09:35:44 pm ---Washington: The Supreme Court is getting involved in the legal fight over the anti-gay protesters who show up at military funerals with inflammatory messages like "Thank God for dead soldiers."
The court agreed Monday to consider whether the protesters' message, no matter how provocative and upsetting, is protected by the First Amendment.
Members of a Kansas-based church have picketed military funerals to spread their belief that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
--- End quote ---
I voted that they have the First Amendment right, although of course people who want to counter-picket or block the protestors from the view of the families have their own First Amendment rights.
But it needs to be pointed out that all this flamboyant public posturing about outrage over Westboro is totally dependent on their disrespect for the military. Phelps and his bloviating band of bigots were picketing the funerals of AIDS victims at least 16 years ago and there was not a peep of outrage.
Not from churches.
Not from any City councils that I've ever heard of.
Not from legislators.
We need to keep that in perspective. It isn't the hatefulness that outrages lawmakers and pundits for the most part; and as far as churches go, Phelps is quite useful to many of them. He functions like the proverbial bridesmaid in the hideous dress.
milomorris:
--- Quote from: Clyde-B on March 17, 2010, 11:46:12 am ---I believe their argument was to the effect that they were describing the world in their art and not advocating anything.
Westboro Baptists are definitely advocates.
--- End quote ---
If that excuse works for rappers, the WBs can always claim that they are describing their religious beliefs rather than advocating anything.
Moreover, "advocating" and "inciting" are not cut & dry. There's lots of room for interpretation.
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