Community ready to come out in force against Westboro hate group

Community reacts to controversial church protesting Wilmington soldier's funeral
Submitted by Marissa Jasek
10/07/2012

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- A controversial church group known for protesting military funerals says it will come to the Cape Fear to protest the funeral of a Wilmington soldier killed last week in Afghanistan.

"Our military fights for the freedom of ridiculous individuals to air their dirty laundry," says Tom Russell, the founder of Step Up For Soldiers.

A news release on the website of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS, lists Sgt. T.J. Butler, 25, of Wilmington, on its latest "Roster of the Damned." The release says "Thank God for 18 more dead troops." Two other North Carolina soldiers killed with Butler in a suicide attack in a market in the eastern Afghanistan city of Khost Monday are also listed among the 18 fallen service members.

For years, Westboro Baptist Church has claimed America's war dead are God's punishment for the country embracing homosexuality. According to the release, church members say,

"We will picket their funerals in their home towns (sic) in respectful and lawful proximity thereof."

The small community of Hampstead, where Butler is from has stepped up in support of him and his family. Several businesses along Highway 17 have put up signs in support.

"Everywhere," says Jeremy Sawyer, a close friend of Butler. "Putting up signs for the family and for him. Praying for him."
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