Is Westboro Baptist Church a hate group?

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

I think it's high time the tax exempt status is removed for all churches etc.

That is a concept well worth discussing.

Personally, I feel churches should be taxed, but the church's not-for-profit activities should be exempt from taxation. In other words, the same rules for corporations should apply to religious corporations (churches).

Churches like corporations have their for profit activities and their not-for-profit activities. The same rules should apply to both.

Unless property is being used for recognized not-for-profit purposes, I do not understand how a church can receive income from owing property and not pay taxes.

[CaptainHaplo]

Originally Posted by Takeda Shingen

Well, here's the definition of hate group:

"A hate group is an organized group or movement that advocates and practices hatred, hostility, or violence towards members of a race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other designated sector of society"

I'd say that this pretty much covers Westboro Baptist. We're not talking about DOMA supporters or Chic-Fil-A here. This is a group that uses hate terminology and engages in disruptive behavior. Seems cut and dry to me.

Sadly, this is why they are NOT a hate group. The do not advocate that others hate homosexuals - they simply state that (they think) "God hates homosexuals". They do not advocate violence unlawful in any form against any group - including homosexuals.

Do not misunderstand - I find their tactics terrible, their lack of scholarship atrocious, and their intent despicable. That does not make them a hate group.

The first time there comes to light a "sermon" or "teaching" from Ole Fred, the patriarch, that says to go round up the gays and light em on fire or drag em through the streets - in other words - encouraging such action to take place outside the law - then they will be shut down immediately. These people are fools - but not so foolish as to step outside the boundaries of what this nation - that they so despise - affords them.

[Penguin]

No question they fall under the definition of a hate group.
I would also say that the right to have an undisturbed funeral trumps their right to spill their agenda. From a moral point of view go as far and say their right not to be physical harmed is less worth than the right to bury a person in peace.

People who attend a funeral are there involuntarely, they would rather listen to 600 hours of Justin Bieber than being forced to bury a loved one.
It is a different case when the "church" protests a homosexual parade. These folks attend a rally by their own will, so protesting there is legitimate, the question if the protests are idiotic or not, is of no concern when it comes to the quesion about legality.

For me, when Pat Robertson makes some hateful remark, and it gets picked up by the news cycle, it's not in the same league as when the WBC makes an disruptive, innappropriate appearance in force at a funeral.

For me I think Pat Robertson is actually worse.
Unlike Phelps he has a wide reaching comprehensive media network which some people actually think is credible, unlike Phelps he has access to politicians and partakes in national events as an insider not as a nutter screaming from the sidewalk down the block, unlike Phelps I think the hate filled bigot actually really believes what he says.
Any one of those alone makes him worse than Phelps, a combination of them makes him a lot worse than the WBC

[Armistead]

Binny Hinn... Dark Sith Lord ....Got to be one of the funniest videos on utube.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...4DBF6&first=21

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

Sadly, this is why they are NOT a hate group. The do not advocate that others hate homosexuals - they simply state that (they think) "God hates homosexuals". They do not advocate violence unlawful in any form against any group - including homosexuals.

They do advocate hatred. According to them, their interpretation of Christianity is the only true one. They worship their version of god, who hates about 99.9% of the world. As the "true believers" that they are they spread "god's will" by advocating hate. Their message is "You want to be saved? OK, follow the right way and hate (insert group)." As they are convinced of their version of truth, they want others to believe the same, to walk the way that is right according to them.
You can call it hate-by-proxy if you want, if people say "my leader hates fags" instead of "I hate them". Nonetheless they believe this and leave no chance out to spread their message.

[soopaman2]

The minute you hear them scream their "god hates fags" and *soldiers name* is a "sh.. doo doo Uhh eater" (please let that slide )...at a soldiers funeral, who's only crime was dying in a war.

I am utterly disgusted by any group who capitalizes on soldiers deaths to get attention.

Especially when they are tax exempt, and their roll call sheet looks like the scene from Blazing Saddles, when the entire town council had the same last name (Johnson) implying incest.

How could I start my own tax exempt church... I want it stopped or Iwant in.

I will worship my pinky toe, and his name is Bubby. Bubby bless Bubby upon you all, now where is my tax exemption?

Bubby believes in masturbation and playing ping pong.

My new name is Grandmaster Shalabalabad of Eastus, and I am an apostle, and messenger of Bubby.
Call me silly.
So about that tax exempt thing... Not like I hate anyone without a Phelps or Roper last name like these fruits do.

You can allllllllll join my flock, I ask nothing, Just love of Bubby.

[Armistead]

Originally Posted by soopaman2

The minute you hear them scream their "god hates fags" and *soldiers name* is a "sh.. doo doo Uhh eater" (please let that slide )...at a soldiers funeral, who's only crime was dying in a war.

I am utterly disgusted by any group who capitalizes on soldiers deaths to get attention.

Especially when they are tax exempt, and their roll call sheet looks like the scene from Blazing Saddles, when the entire town council had the same last name (Johnson) implying incest.

How could I start my own tax exempt church... I want it stopped or Iwant in.

I will worship my pinky toe, and his name is Bubby. Bubby bless Bubby upon you all, now where is my tax exemption?

Bubby believes in masturbation and playing ping pong.

My new name is Grandmaster Shalabalabad of Eastus, and I am an apostle, and messenger of Bubby.
Call me silly.
So about that tax exempt thing... Not like I hate anyone without a Phelps or Roper last name like these fruits do.

You can allllllllll join my flock, I ask nothing, Just love of Bubby.

Actually many have started their own home church so they can get all the tax deductions. Just declare yourself a Pastor, have church at your house and let the tax deductions roll.....

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Armistead

Actually many have started their own home church so they can get all the tax deductions. Just declare yourself a Pastor, have church at your house and let the tax deductions roll.....

If that is in fact the case where do I sign up

[eddie]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

If that is in fact the case where do I sign up

Right here!

http://www.amfellow.org/

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by eddie

Right here!

http://www.amfellow.org/

No problem...you make the donation and I'll be well pleased

[Cybermat47]

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

I think it's high time the tax exempt status is removed for all churches etc.

Really? Some might view that as a breach of the 1st Amendment,a clause of which gaurantees Freedom of Religion.

[eddie]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

No problem...you make the donation and I'll be well pleased

I'll have to borrow the money though! Any suggestions as to whom might give us some financial help, so you can become a Clergyman?

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by eddie

I'll have to borrow the money though! Any suggestions as to whom might give us some financial help, so you can become a Clergyman?

Cybermat47

[Cybermat47]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Cybermat47

Nah, borrow it from Richard Dawkins, he'll be so willing to help a fledgling Church.