Reason 142 i despise hardcore, far right religion...

(from here):

'The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas is planning to protest the funeral of Heath Ledger. The church has caused quite a stir while picketing the funerals of soldiers that have died in Iraq. It is Westboro church's belief that Heath Ledger died and is burning in hell for playing the role of a gay cowboy in the critically acclaimed movie "Brokeback Mountain." The church believes that while Heath Ledger was not gay, he still played a homosexual and promoted the gay lifestyle.'

Ugh. To picket someones funeral is foul, but of course they must undoubtably know that they're doing god's work so it's ok. See, it even says so in the bible 'Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind' (leviticus 18:22) so of course that gives them permission to pester a grieving family. These people are deluded and dangerous halfwits.

Make no mistake, i'm not bashing all religious views here. Just religious fundamentalsim and in particular this moronic entity known appallingly as a 'church'. These people are too much for even the deeply christian nation that is America, and are considered a hate group by the U.S government (bit of an understatement in my opinion).

This also raises the issue of free speech. As appalling as their speech is, they have a right to air it. To deny anyone there opinion is not a free society. But on the other hand, you can't let such vocal viciousness get out of hand, what about the rights of Ledger's family to a peaceful memorial service? Surely their must be a statute in American law prohibiting hate speech?

The Black/White nature of Fundamental religious morality does nothing but complicate an already complex issue; There is a fine line to balance, with many shades of grey to negotiate. Dogmatic beliefs are fast becoming obsolete in our rapidly changing world, and to a degree holding back progress (The farcical debate over Stem Cell research springs to mind)

There is nothing grey, however, about my opinion of the Westboro baptist church (I.e sub-human, ignorant trolls) I would link to their website, but that would only add to their exposure, Google them yourself to get a flavour of their beliefs.
Or even better, go out and buy a copy of Brokeback Mountain (or any other film with Heath Ledger in) and just pause and remember a talented actor whose life was cut tragically short.