The Westboro Baptist Church is based in Topeka, Kansas, and known for its somewhat radical views and provocative street protests.
It was founded by Fred Phelps in the 1950s.
The church is known for its anti-gay message and its belief that disasters and tragedies are God’s punishment for what it sees as the United States’ (and the world’s) acceptance and celebration of homosexuality.
It’s all the gays’ fault.
The church is also known for its street protests in which members picket funerals and other events with signs bearing messages such as “God hates fags” and “thank God for dead soldiers.”
Westboro has been sued many times – and won many times – thanks to free speech laws protecting it.
It has also been the subject of several documentaries.
I chatted to one of the pastors and, funnily enough, found myself not hating much of what he said.
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