Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas stirred nationwide anger when they picketed the funeral of an American soldier with signs that included "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "God hates fags." A Maryland jury awarded one soldier's father $11 million for emotional distress. But today, the US Supreme Court overturned that verdict. In today's decision, Chief Justice John Roberts said the protesters were "certainly hurtful," but that the 1st Amendment protected them from tort liability. David Savage covers the court for the Los Angeles Times.
Military Funeral Protesters Win at Supreme Court
Credits
Guest:
- David Savage - Supreme Court reporter for the Los Angeles Times - @davidgsavage