Continuing from the AP report: The Kansas Legislature decided enough was
enough last year and enacted a ban on such demonstrations. The City
Council in Kansas City, Missouri, adopted a similar ordinance. Phelps
hasn't picketed a funeral in Kansas since the state law was passed, but
his campaign against those he condemns as "filthy sodomites" continues
with daily pickets outside churches and restaurants. [NOTE: Phelps did
picket the funeral of Randy Shilts, AIDS activist and journalist, and
that of Virginia Kelley, President Clinton's mother, saying she led her
son and the entire United States down the path of moral decay.] He
says--quote--"The Lord Jesus Christ says when things get that way in any
civilization it's doomed. So it's not likely that any tacky little old
city ordinance or state law or act of Congress is going to stop me." The
state law and city ordinance outlaw picketing at funerals and recognize
families' right to mourn "privately and peacefully." Phelps says he's
eager to test the laws in court and shrugs off the suffering he may
inflict on mourners.
"Do 'em a world of good, this preaching," he says.
