In an 8-1 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that hurtful public speech in protests at a military funeral was protected by the First Amendment. Followers of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas had picketed the funeral of a Marine who died in combat in Iraq with signs that read “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.” The church members believe God is punishing American for its pro-gay bias.
The decision written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts contended that the overriding value of vigorous public debate overrode any unfortunate infliction of emotional distress. Roberts also wrote that the protests did not interfere with the memorial service and did not qualify as intrusion.
From The New York Times, March 2, 2011, by Adam Liptak.