Vet plans more Westboro Baptist protests

Vet plans more Westboro Baptist protests


The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Apr 26, 2010 16:09:07 EDT

LaSALLE, Ill. — An Illinois veteran who was turned away from a Kansas church known for picketing service members’ funerals says he hopes to lead future protests against the congregation and perhaps push for legislative measures to stop it.

Jerry Bacidore of LaSalle is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq war. Bacidore, who served in the Marine Corps and Army, said he and 15 supporters from central Illinois were turned away from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., on Sunday.

Bacidore said he picketed outside.

Church members picket at service members’ funerals and claim troops were killed because the United States is accepting of homosexuality.

Westboro Baptist Church spokeswoman Shirley Phelps-Roper says Bacidore could have attended if he hadn’t publicized his visit in a local newspaper.

Vet plans more Westboro Baptist protests