On one hand, I do nto like limitations on free speech.  On the other I applaud this award (it will be cut, but hopefully not eliminated).

Yes, funerals are private affairs, and that is where Phelps went wrong.  it is not the government infringing on his right of free speech, but private citizens basically telling him he is not wanted at their private affairs, which is as important a concept as free speech - the right to free assmbly (same amendment too).

There is a time and place for discussion and disagreement.  That is something that too many people have yet to learn.  Free speech is free in what you can say, but as a right, it must not be perverted and used as a hammer to drown out all other activities in a free society.

I think these people are confusing the idea that a cemetery is a place where anyone can go to see a family member, an old friend or just remember someone they know or heard of. That, however, does not mean they are free to go to other peoples funerals just because they are allowed inside the cemetery. That is just plain wrong. What ever gave people the idea that a protest was meant to annoy the hell out of people as oppose to making a point?

I was glad to see this too. I feel horrible for those family's who have lost a son or daughter and then have to see this group with their hateful signs when they are trying to say goodbye. It's shameful.

I applaud the award, but wonder if a penny of it will ever get paid.  I'd love to see this really make a difference, but so far the losers of the suit are sounding like they won't change a single thing they do and will continue to make nuisances of themselves whenever and wherever possible.

To me these "people" are no different than those who stand outside of Mormon Temples while marriage parties are celebrating on the temple grounds.  They yell obscenities and call the bride a whore, all in the name of "Christianity".

Political and religious speech should be protected, but there is no Constitutional right to harrass people on private property or spew hatred for the sake of hatred itself.

They have the right to hate anyone they want, their leaders also have the right to preach hatred, but they do not have the right to infringe on the privacy rights of their victims.

 

To me these "people" are no different than those who stand outside of Mormon Temples while marriage parties are celebrating on the temple grounds.  They yell obscenities and call the bride a whore, all in the name of "Christianity".

Political and religious speech should be protected, but there is no Constitutional right to harrass people on private property or spew hatred for the sake of hatred itself.

They have the right to hate anyone they want, their leaders also have the right to preach hatred, but they do not have the right to infringe on the privacy rights of their victims.

 

"To me these "people" are no different than those who stand outside of Mormon Temples while marriage parties are celebrating on the temple grounds. They yell obscenities and call the bride a whore, all in the name of "Christianity"."

I didn't know people did that.

JOB 13:5
"If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be
wisdom."

EPH 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what
is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may
benefit those who listen."

Even if Mormons were the human equivalent of pond scum, which I'm definitely not saying you are, but even if they were it would not be right to say such things.

you are aloud free speech as long as you don't set out to cause a riot or cause a fight. going to a funeral does both of those.

  I meant to comment on this a while back! I'm glad they got 'kicked' in the teeth so to speak! What they do [Phelps and his crowd] is cowardly and heartless! I'm glad the dad stood up and did something, let's hope more people will do the same!