Members of the Westboro Baptist Church protested Wednesday outside the Supreme Court. The protests anticipated arguments in a case that could have far-reaching ramifications for some of the country's most fundamental rights.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
A member of the Phelps family speaks to the press outside of the Supreme Court on Wednesday. A federal jury in Baltimore ruled that the Phelps' Kansas church violated the Snyder family's privacy and intentionally inflicted emotional distress when they protested at Matthew Snyder's 2006 funeral. The church was ordered to pay the family $5 million.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Albert Snyder (second from the left) is comforted by Kansas Attorney General Steve Six (right) before making a statement to reporters after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Snyder v. Phelps.
Chip Somodevilla-Getty Images
Members of the Phelps family leave the Supreme Court after oral arguments. Protesters from the Webstboro Baptist Church and local area schools debated on the steps of the Supreme Court Wednesday morning.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Nearly all of the justices referred to the group's noxious practices, which include carrying signs with inflammatory messages.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Alex Graves of Seattle, Washington (left) listens to demonstrator Timothy Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church. Students from George Washington and American Universities protested outside the Supreme Court and engaged members of the Church.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
A group of students from Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia, listen to protesters from he Westboro Baptist Church. The church, which is comprised almost exclusively of Phelps family members, protests at the funerals of military service members.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Margie J. Phelps, a daughter of the church founder argued the case for her family before the Supreme Court.. Phelps said her "little church" is protected in preaching its profound belief: "If you want them to stop dying, stop sinning."
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Rev. Fred Phelps leads the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, KS. A case involving the church will soon be heard by the Supreme Court.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Sunday services at the Westboro Baptist Church, where Rev. Phelps discussed the upcoming Supreme Court Case as part of his sermon. Only one family member not related by blood is included. The church is made up mostly of family members -- Phelps has 13 children.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Lucy Drain and daughter Faith Drain pray during Sunday services at the Westboro Baptist Church. On its website, the church says that the idea that God loves everyone is the "greatest lie ever told."
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church picket every Sunday at a city park near their church in Topeka, KS.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Shirley Phelps-Roper (Rev. Phelps' daughter) leads a group effort with church children, some hers, to make salsa at her house in Topeka. Some leave the church when they come of age; Roper-Phelps has a daughter-in-law and grandchild she's never met. Three of her siblings left the family, and one changed her name.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Exterior of the Westboro Baptist Church. The church marquee is vandalized with red spray paint with the words, "God Hates The Phelps." In the last hours of the last days, Shirley Phelps-Roper says, Jesus said his chosen will be "hated by all men."
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Four-year-old Elijah Phelps got distracted by a bug on the sidewalk while taking part in a church protest with his family at a Catholic church in Topeka. The church protests frequently against homosexuals and Jews.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Nine-year-old Daniel Phelps chases Danielle Phelps (age 15) during play time in the courtyard at the church complex. Members are taught from a young age that all Americans are going to hell for condoning homosexuality, abortion and divorce.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Prayer time before bed time at the home of Shirley Phelps-Roper. Most of the children in attendance are hers, but some are relatives. There are about 70 church members.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Shirley Phelps-Roper, with her sister Rachel Hockenbarger, often checks aerial photos and maps so as to determine the best place to picket. The church is known for protesting at funerals and Jewish synagogues.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Members of Westboro picketed the Memorial service for Army Staff Sgt. James Ide, who was killed in Afghanistan. Many supporters of the Ide family showed up to protest the picket and honor Sgt. Ide -- including motorcycle groups that were part of the procession.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
The Phelpses can find a link to almost any horrible event --Hurricane Katrina, an earthquake, the murders of Amish schoolchildren -- to a group they contend God hates.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Supporters of the Ide family cheered as the group from Westboro left the funeral.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Gen.(Army, Ret.) Bill Branson stands in salute to protest the Westboro picketers during Ide's funeral. "It is an insult to every American who has died for the freedom of speech," said the father of another dead soldier. "No one in the history of the nation has ever protested like this. Don't tell me that my son died for that."
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
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