Members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, led by controversial pastor Fred Phelps, have frequently thought it was their duty to protest and picket outside the funerals of slain military men and women. They’ve often been seen carrying signs that read “God Hates Fags” and “Thank God For Maimed Soldiers,” protesting everything from U.S. Military intervention to homosexuality. But what business would they have outside the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards?
A spokesperson from the Westboro group claimed that “God hated Edwards” and that “she is dead because she thought she could control God.” Therefore, their decision to protest her funeral was a right and necessary choice. But other watch groups which oppose Westboro’s methods, said they have no idea what the group meant by saying Edwards “thought she could control God,” and that Westboro merely saw this as a high media event and a way for them to command some attention.
Westboro protesters were kept two blocks from the entrance to the church where Elizabeth Edwards was being eulogized. Word of their protest sparked an online organizing effort, which convinced an estimated 200 – 300 people to show up in the rain to counterprotest Westboro with signs that read “love” and “hero.” But in the end, Westboro fizzled. Only 3 – 4 protesters from the group bothered to show up, and the afternoon of love and celebration of the life of Elizabeth Edwards was honored.
