Funeral protesters' messages, 'God Hates Fags' and 'Thank God for Dead Soldiers' to be debated March 24, 2011

Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m. Fine Arts Building, Room 150

On March 24, the Irish national team will challenge the Seawolf Debate program in an exhibition debate in Fine Arts, Room 150 at 7 p.m. The two teams will face off over a discussion of whether the Westboro Baptist Church's message is worthy of the protection afforded to political speech.

In recent months, the church in Topeka, Kansas, has received significant press over its stance on homosexuality. They have received notoriety for their public protests and picketing of funerals, such as in Arizona where they rallied with signs saying, "Thank God for the shooter -- 6 dead!" They have also carried signs proclaiming "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "God Hates Fags."

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in an 8-1 decision that the First Amendment protects the church's protests of military funerals. Join the Irish national and Seawolf Debate teams as they explore this controversial topic.