The Atheist Blogger

According to this Telegraph article, the infamous Westboro Baptist Church is planning on picketing a production of “The Laramie Project” in Basingstoke. The production is about the torture and murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay university student who was brutally attacked for his sexual orientation. The play is being performed by the local “Freedom Youth” group, who say they won’t be intimidated by the church.

A few politicians have tried to stop the Phelps family from entering the UK, and whilst I understand their reasons for doing so, I hope they allow them to come in. This is one of those freedom of speech issues that is tough to call, but the fact is, this might be hate speech, but it isn’t incitement to murder or violence. They aren’t telling people to kill gay people; they reckon their God will do that. I think if they are allowed into the country, we will see an example of what freedom of speech should be about; namely, the Westboro Baptist Church will say whatever their opinion is, and everyone who disagree will loudly tell the Westboro Baptist Church what they think. This was illustrated quite nicely in America where groups dressed in white clothing would surround the church at their funeral pickets, effectively blocking them from the view of the mourning families.

I’m thinking about going up to Basingstoke on Friday for this very reason. I want to listen to what they have to say, and respond with my own opinions. Of course, that is dependant on whether they are allowed into the country or not, and why I sincerely hope they are. In a free secular society, freedom of speech and expression must hold true, and I hope the government understands that the people will rise up in opposition to the church themselves, with no need for any official intervention.