WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has to decide whether protesting at funerals is free speech or harassment. The justices heard oral arguments Wednesday from both sides concerning protests by Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka who say American soldiers deserve to die because they’re defending a country that allows gay rights and abortion. The father of a Marine who died in Iraq said the protests are a nightmarish invasion of families’ privacy and is asking the high court to reinstate a $5 million verdict against Phelps and the members of his church who carried signs reading “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “God Hates the USA.”
Thursday, Oct. 7, 7 a.m.
