@Agnes – I support freedom of expression as well, but as a European, I was surprised to see some sides of it in action here. Racists etc. groups are usually banned in Europe for hate speech, despite the freedom of speech as well.

@kyh – Oh, I can name extremists and nut cases from all backgrounds and all religions, sadly.

@Scarlet – They are a scary bunch actually.

@Annie – Just repeat after me: snow is fun, snow is fun, snow is…

@SilverNeurotic – Well, we do have our own crazy people in Canada too.

@Tulsa Gentleman – Yes, this “Church” is definitely something. I didn’t know them before this incident, but they are quite famous it seems.

@Khengsiong – I know, it’s a thin line…

@Max Coutinho – I find that Europe has a different take on freedom of expression. Like many groups are banned for hate speech in France, and some laws (i.e abortion) are not as challenged in Europe. And this “church”… I see the documentary you are talking about.

@xPirate – Thanks for visiting! Oh, this church doesn’t seem to be supported much… good thing I guess. Still, they are a nuisance and a shame to freedom of speech.

If they want to protest on the streets, that’s fine with me. Their “God” can hate all the fags he wants and they can tell people that. But the second it turns to targeting specific individuals it becomes hate speech and harassment which should not be tolerated.

I’d also like to tell these people to actually read the book they are supposed to follow. Jesus preaches love and tolerance, not ignorance and hate. There are far more passages in the Bible telling it’s followers to love their fellow man than there is about homosexuality being wrong. To each his own though.

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And a note to the blogger: I’m really glad I came across your blog on Bloggeries. It’s a really good read. You have something to say, unlike most bloggers who I feel are just looking for a fan-base. Keep up the good work! ^_^

“Freedom of speech is the right to speak freely without censorship or limitations.” – Amen to that! I abhor censorship in any shape and size.

“If a group instill racism, sexism, and homophobia or other questionable views, should it still be protected under the First Amendment?” – well, as you know, I am European…but this question could easily be applied to this side. In the Portuguese case, the 37th article of our Constitution defends Freedom of Speech and of the press; so if this question were asked to me I would have to say that yes, that group has the right to speak their mind, to defend their ideals (even if utterly stupid) – since telling them that they should shut up just because we don’t agree with them, or find their non-intellectual productions an abomination, would be the same as censoring them (meaning that we were being exactly the same as the fascists and communists in Europe [some 30 years ago & in some cases 18 years ago] and Latin America – not to mention some other countries in Asia).
However, laws should be created to nail people who insist on encouraging hate crimes – speak, yes…but if so much your group is linked to someone who kicked or beat up a gay person, a black (or other non-caucasian race) person; humiliated a woman or man (just because of their gender) and other type of crimes targeting other ethnic or religious group…then you and your associates should go to jail (even if they didn’t commit the crime themselves: tu comprends?). This is called, being guilty by association.

Oh yes…Westboro Baptist Church…I watched a documentary on them: they are a bunch of ignorants (even though they went/go to college they remained/remain ignorant)! I have never heard so much dung coming out of a person’s mouth the way I heard those guys talking! But at least they don’t kill anybody…but once they start doing it, or encouraging it: go to jail!
Pitiful people…

Fantastic article; I can’t wait to read more about this series !

Cheers

BTW that snow photo is too scary I think I am still not prepared for it

What a sick group of people! Why don’t they ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?” He certainly wouldn’t picket funerals, that’s for damn sure!