Free speech, religious belief and Westboro Baptist

Written by K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
Westboro Baptist Church — the tiny but seemingly ubiquitous church group founded by Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kan., and consisting mostly of his family members — is one of the most notorious religious groups in America. Now adding to the church’s distinction is a U.S. Supreme Court case bearing their leader’s name and upholding their constitutional rights despite the harm caused to a grieving military family. …