Group says it will protest funeral of Valdosta Soldier

[Keith_Hixson]

They should try this protest thing in the panhandle of Idaho. Those red neck loggers have ax handles and know how to use them. The Sheriff and Police would kindly look the other way. That's just how things are done up there in the Northwoods of Idaho. Beaten to a pulp once they wouldn't try that again.

Keith

P.S.
Haven't seen anything recently.

October 14, 2006 (AP)



VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP) -- The Sunday funeral of a serviceman killed in Iraq has attracted the attention of outside groups?one that protests military funerals and another that is geared up to counter them.

Members of Topeka, Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church announced they would protest the funeral of Staff Sergeant James D. Ellis, who was killed on October 2 in Taji, Iraq.

The group protests military funerals around the country, claiming the soldiers? deaths are a sign of God punishing America for tolerating homosexuality.

Meanwhile, the Patriot Guard Riders, a national group of motorcyclists who shield mourning families and friends from protesters, say they will counter the Kansas group?s picketing.

Valdosta Mayor John J. Fretti says city officials have been working on the matter with police, the soldier?s family and their funeral home.

In other cities, similar protests announced by the Westboro church have prompted local police to boost security around military funerals and some states have even enacted laws creating buffer zones between protesters and the funerals.

Congress passed a law this year prohibiting protests at military funerals at federal cemeteries.