Neighbors react to lien on Westboro Baptist Church
4:24 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008
"The traffic late at night, they like to speed," said Jesse Razak.
He says that is probably the biggest complaint he has about his neighborhood. But he also lives just down the street from the Westboro Baptist Church.
Razak said, "They usually go elsewhere to show themselves so actually it's quieter around here than other places, you know."
Neighbor Lucille McMillan has lived across the street for thirteen years. Has she ever had problems with the Phelps?
" Nope, they don't bother me and I don't bother them," she answered.
That quiet was shattered last November when a bomb scare and graffiti were left at the church. The graffiti is still there.
"The cops told us there was nothing to worry about, but I guess in the back of your head there might be something to worry about," remembered Razak.
Now the church has a new problem. A federal judge wants it to pay up after protesting at Maryland soldier Matthew Snyder's funeral. Snyder's father sued Westboro and won $5 million. The church has been ordered to post bond of more than $500,000 in property.
"I think they got what's due to them finally. The court finally gave someone some authority," said Razak.
The church has until May to come up with the bond and neighbors wonder if they will have to sell.
"I don't who's going to want to buy it," says Razak. " I don't know what use anyone would have for it.
We spoke to Shirley Phelps-Roper with Westboro Baptist Church.
She says the church has no plans to sell. She says the decision is "awesome" because the lien has no meaning.
They are appealing the decision.
Comments
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Apr. 5, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)DoyleGene (anonymous)
The Phelps's need TO GET OUT OF TOPEKA
Apr. 14, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)CraigG (anonymous)
As much as I despise their message, I don't think this ruling against the church should stand. At its heart is a basic freedom of speech issue. I understand the father is upset by the church's actions, but to deny someone freedom of speech because their speech is despicable is unjust.
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