Bikers take on anti-gay protests at military funerals

I thought this was a rather odd headline until I read the story. My husband often chides that he will one day ban me from reading the news as it tends to get me upset to some degree, and this story was no different. I'm furious.



Calling themselves "the Pariot Riders," these bikers voluntarily stand guard at military funerals in order to shield the families of fallen soldiers because these disgusting people (members of a Kansas based fundamentalist church called the Westboro Baptist Church) picket the funerals with signs that say things like "Thank God for IED's." Led by the Reverend Fred Phelps, these so called "Christains" claim that "god" killed the soldiers as a divine punishment to america for harbouring homosexuals.

Morons. I am sure there is a special place in hell waiting for thee.

I don't care what you think you believe in or object to - a funeral for a fallen soldier is not the place to protest homosexuality (or anything else for that matter). A funeral is not a public event, it's a place for spouses, children, parents, grandparents and friends to say their final goodbyes to a loved one. It is sacred space.

This kind of protest is vile and I am happy to learn that many states are busy making laws to prevent this kind of protest at funerals and memorials (this same "church" picketed the Sago Mine disaster memorial with signs that said "Thank God for Dead Miners"), but I must aplaud the efforts of the Patriot Riders - perhaps the best way to fight this so called freedom of speech is with more freedom of speech, only LOUDER.

If you live in america please take the time to find out how to support these riders and encourage your government to enact legislation that will keep protesters away from funerals.

Link: Bikers roll to military funerals to oppose anti-gay protests