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Extremist church to be blocked at border: report

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thursday Aug. 7, 2008 11:47 PM ET

Canadian border guards have been told to bar a fanatic church group that was planning to protest the funeral of a man beheaded on a Greyhound bus, reports say.

NDP MP Pat Martin told the Winnipeg Free Press that Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day sent the alert to border guards Thursday.

The church group, described in a British documentary as "the most hated family in America," told CTV.ca earlier Thursday that it planned to protest at the funeral of 22-year-old Tim Mclean on Saturday.

Martin said his office was flooded with phone calls Thursday with Winnipeg constituents angered by the group's plan.

"These people are almost as crazy as the murderer," he told the newspaper, referring to the church's intentions.

The daughter of the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, based in Topeka, Ka., told CTV.ca she and several other church members will go to Winnipeg on Saturday to demonstrate against what she described as McLean's "filthy way of life." Shirley Phelps-Roper said his life was emblematic of Canada's moral decay.

"God handed us a gift," Phelps-Roper said in a phone interview on Thursday.

She said McLean deserved his death by beheading on a Greyhound Bus last week.

"(His death was) supremely unemotional. You got God shaking in rage. There is no emotional component ... He was a rebel against God. He was taught to be a rebel by his parents. He came from a rebel country ... They brought this wrath upon his head. And it sucks to be him and it sucks to be them," Phelps-Roper said.

She said his brutal murder was a sign from God.

"You gotta connect the dots, people ... from your idols to your filthy way of life," she said.

"Here's what I know. He is dead and God does not do that to people that serve in his truth."

Phelps-Roper described McLean -- who she had never met -- in an insulting, insensitive and graphic manner. Her crudest descriptions of the 22-year-old are not printed.

"I haven't met him personally, but he has nothing going on," she said dismissively.

"(His life) was all about him. Blah, blah, blah ... He was a rebel ... I don't need to know anything else ... I don't need to know the minutia. Everything you need to know is right there."

The Westboro Baptist church has gained notoriety in recent years for setting up protest pickets at the funerals of U.S. soldiers who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Church members claim the deaths are part of God's wrath against Americans for turning their back on his teachings. They have repeatedly called the U.S. a "fag" nation, a phrase Phelps-Roper used repeatedly to describe Canada.

Phelps-Roper said she does not mind that her family is reviled by the majority of Americans. She claimed she rejoices when people say they despise and hate her family.

"I say, 'cha ching.' That goes in our bank. God gives us tokens of his love," she said.

Phelps-Roper said members of the Westboro Baptist Church, which numbers about "70 souls," is comprised mainly of a single extended family.

The group was supposed to protest a play held in a downtown Toronto bar that mocked their church's reviled views. "The Pastor Phelps Project" played at The Cameron House Thursday without incident, according to reports.

McLean was killed on July 30 after being stabbed repeatedly on a Greyhound bus by a complete stranger. He was then beheaded.

Vince Li, 40, has been charged with second-degree murder. A psychiatric evaluation has been ordered for Li.

Comments are now closed for this story

Julie
said

This is totally unacceptable..I hope Tim's family blocks these people from his funeral..Appalling.


Peter
said

These people should be turned away at the Can/US border.


Bill
said

All this poor guy did was sleep on a bus, now these nut jobs are protesting and PETA are protesting, leave the family alone. Surely to God we will not let these people into our country.


Ashley
said

Are you KIDDING ME?


Louise
said

And these people praying to the same God that I do-- how scary is that?
What about do not judge?
This group is a fine example of God's loving children and to think that children in their 'church' are being raised with such hatred and hostility. Heaven help us.
God rest that young man's soul. Such a horrible way to die.


Tricia
said

As a Christian I denounce these religious nutbars and their judgmental stance against everything! There is a line in scripture that sums up Christ's reaction to them: "Father fogive them for they know not what they do." This church needs an intervention!


mark
said

Sounds like it should be considered as spreading hate.......

Refuse entry or arrest...




Allan Eizinas
said

“Phelps-Roper said members of the Westboro Baptist Church, which numbers about "70 souls," is comprised mainly of a single extended family.”

Their actions and statements are an example of what can happen eventually with inter-family marriage and procreation.

Bizarre!


C Bouvier
said

Whatever denomination this lady is from whether Baptist, Protestant or Catholic, obviously she has not read the Bible in which it clearly states, "God loves us all". Talk about someone being brainwashed to hate the world. I'm sure she would feel the same way if something like this happened to a member of her own family. Shame on her for imposing on a family's tragedy and insulting the integrity of a young man she knows nothing about. We all face the piper one day and she will too one day. Embarrassing for the U.S. to have a citizen with this mentality and frame of mind! Go back to reading your bible. I think you need a refresher.


Patricia O'Brien
said

I trust that the Canada Customs agents on duty when these people attempt to cross the border will do their job and turn them back. I had never heard of the Westboro Baptist Church and quite frankly I wish I had not read this article. These people scare me as much as Mr. Li does.


Derek Churchill
said

After reading this story, I think it should be restated about how great of a person Tim McLean was. I never met the man too, but I am a bit of a news junkie and there are a lot of positive things about him that had hit the news. Those things should be restated and the whole story should not go to a group of extremists.


CJ Carleton
said

I am in shock over the ignorance of this woman and the Westboro Baptist Church that are making a mockery of my faith.

Phelps-roper states: "He is dead and God does not do that to people that serve in his truth." If you read your Bible you will learn that John the Baptist was beheaded and he without a doubt served in truth.

How much hatred can you have in your heart to protest a funeral?


Diane
said

wow....I am stunned...I hope these people get turned back at the border, the McLean family sure don't need this!


Appalled
said

First PETA dishonours McLean by comparing his death to that of a chicken or cow. Now this? Hasn't McLean and his family suffered enough. Couldn't we prevent this group from reaching the funeral? Deny them entry into the country? What is wrong with people?


Stephen Joseph
said

Well it seems to me that they have been reading the Bible the wrong way.


Anonymous
said

All I can say to this is.. This is stupid, Tim didn't deserve to die, especially not like this.


AMB
said

This is unbelievable. I hope that Tim's family and friends are shielded from these cruel insensitive people. Individuals with such a lack of compassion are in no way representing the God I believe in.
Sad.


Kevin
said

How is it possible that they could be let in our beloved country to promote hate?


Chelsie
said

Well so much for God's teachings of "love thy neighbour as thyself". God is love, he loves all people regardless if they follow His path or not.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tim's family and friends, who certainly do not need this added grief. May they find comfort in this tragic time, and may he rest in peace.


Kelley Stanczak
said

Hate mongering will not be tolerated in this country. These people should not be allowed to enter, I hope that Canada Customs will do the right thing.


a Christian
said

I'm a born again Christian and I cannot believe what these people are saying. I'd like to ask them this; If what they claim is true, then how do they explain God showing grace and mercy to Ninivah when they were the most brutal nation against Isreal at that time? I'd like to know their answer to that. God, give your grace to the Mclean family in this heartwrenching time.



Amy MacDonald
said

Unbelieveable and revolting. Anyone who says someone deserved to die, is making a judgement FOR God. Which I find sin in itself. Only we can judge ourselves and God can judge us, correct? Phelps-Roper has a father as a Baptist in a church so she thinks she can make judgements or statements on who does and doesn't deserve to die? I believe she will be the one with some explaining to do to God when it's her time.


EJ
said

I think that this is SICK. First PETA and now a religious group that call themselves a church. No one has the right to judge another human on this earth only God. So they can stay in their small minded world in the US and don't use this a political platform.


griffin
said

Are we really going to allow these people into our country?
Is this not a glaring example of something our hate crime laws should cover?
We don't need to import hate.
Rather arogant of them to think they can just walk across the border,do what ever they want, and we would'nt stop them.
Fanatics, of any strip, are dangerous.


Jj
said

I don't get it. I just don't. First there was by all accounts, a hard-working, well loved young man killed in a random act of violence. But now the WBC is protesting McLean's funeral because he's a rebel? They don't even know the guy but they're going to protest anyways.

"Everything you need to know is right there," so says Phelps-Roper. Right there? Where? The young man has been described as nothing less than a good guy - not a lick of negativity anywhere. Where, even in their twisted minds, was the proof? What painted him a rebel - traveling out west for seasonal work? I wasn't aware that pursuing employment in a different location was asking for the wrath of a deity figure. Was it because he didn't believe in God enough? No one knows whether or not he was a follower, but somehow WBC miraculously knows more about his faith than his closest family members and friends?

It's frightening enough that WBC exists at all; that they protest the funerals of hard-working military men and women. But now they're pulling random justifications out of the air and using them to cause more harm to people they don't know.

Inflicting irrevocable harm on people they don't know - a dangerous group they are.


dp
said

Why does the media persist in providing a forum for these lunatics to spread this trash?

Just because they are planning to do this, doesn't make them newsworthy - this is just a plan to use this tragedy to promote their own ludicrous ideologies.


Andrea
said

First PETA, now this. How dare this woman make such hasty judgment on this young man's life. She should be ashamed of herself. God is about love, not hate and judgment. I don't know what bible she and her fellow church cronies read from but mine does not preach about hatred and judgment. The media should also be held accountable as well. They are the ones deciding to post these stories, and have yet again turned a tragic story into a media circus, and for what, ratings? Let's remember what really happened here, a young man tragically lost his life, a family is mourning the loss of a loved one, a mother and father lost their CHILD, show some respect and leave this alone, let the family mourn their loss and above all, let Tim McLean rest in peace.


Jeff
said

Thirty years ago, a friend of mine was deported from Canada (before he had actually crossed the border) on the grounds of "moral turpitude". His "crime"? He admitted to a border guard that he had smoked pot a few times. He was a PhD student in literature at the time.
Now I wonder- can these religious fanatics be turned back at the border for the same reason? Who is more guilty of immorality- my friend who got high, or these hate-mongers? If the Canadian government doesn't turn these people back, what does that tell us about our system?


Fredericton, NB
said

I can honestly write that while reading this article I experienced an overwhelming sense of outrage toward this group. My Higher Power who I choose to call GOD loves everyone equally.

The McLean family has experienced such a terrible loss, and my thoughts are with them at such a very sad time.


Pastor Kevin
said

As a Pentecostal Church pastor, I am ashamed at the comments of Shirley Phelps-Roper. God did not "hand us a gift" in this horrific event, but is grieved as we are. I pray the family puts NO stock in these comments and I would ask that NO media attention be paid to these people. Her comments about Tim, which is her right to make,in no way represent the Lord and it sickens me that people may feel that they do. We have been praying for the whole situation. God is sickened at the choices that people make by their own free will. I would say that God is calling the Westboro Baptist church to repent for their unkind, untrue words.


rouquinne
said

there are many groups that do their best to block these people from the view of the families of US service men/women when this insane clan dares to show up at a funeral.

please, citizens of Winnipeg, please go to Tim's funeral and do whatever you can to block these nutbars (should they make it across the border) from the eyes of the McLean family on this sad occasion.


Raj - Ottawa
said

OMG,I can't even begin to understand what on earth she is talking about. This is fully incomprehensible. Talk about religious beliefs gone wrong, very wrong. I bet "GOD" is looking at this group, smacking his forehead into the wall saying "why the hell did I even bother?"

How are these people different than fanatics in any other religion? They are not. They are all brainwashed. These people live in an advanced/educated western country, yet their belief system is even worse than the worse of pre-historic middle ages.

This is unbelievable.

Lighten up people. Don’t complicate the religion. Keep it simple: Love, Be Compassionate, Show Humility, Earn an honest living, Share your earning with the needy and respect/acknowledge all. That’s all that’s it.

Anyway, I am appalled at this news.



Michael (Ottawa)
said

The murder of Tim McLean was a demonic inspired murder. That should be obvious to all just by the very nature of the acts committed.

Secondly, perhaps not so obvious is the demonic inspired "so called" church group all from one very deceived extended family making these despicable contemptuous and hate filled comments.

Anyone who understands even the basic scriptures knows Shirley Phelps-Roper and her family members do not represent God, they do not represent the Christian message and they speak only from their own very warped, hate filled, judgmental and twisted viewpoint.

Christ came to save the world not to condemn it.

This is a terrible affront to the McLean family at the worst possible time and these people should be stopped at the border and sent packing where they belong.





Michelle
said

Is this woman serious? How can anyone of faith claim that an innocent young man could deserve such a brutal and sickening death as Tim McLean received.
I think you and your group are demented and I do hope that you are not allowed anywhere near the Canadian Border ... think of this young mans family; such pain are they enduring and then to have such horrible comments made from someone who didn't even know Tim.


Elaine
said

Please have the family of hate stopped at the border. Let them rail against our government and not the vulnerable relatives and friends of Tim.
I hope the U.S. government will also keep these hate mongers at home!


Sarah from Ottawa
said

There is a law in Canada against spreading hate propaganda....surely going to a funeral and saying these kinds of things against one person would fall under this law.

Under s. 319(1) of the Criminal Code, anyone who communicates statements in a public place and thereby incites hatred against an identifiable group where such incitement leads to a breach of the peace is guilty of an indictable offence punishable by two years' imprisonment or a summary conviction offence. Section 319(2) makes it a crime to communicate, except in private conversation, statements that wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group. Section 319(7) defines "communicating" to include communicating by telephone, broadcasting or other audible or visible means. "Public place" is defined to include any place to which the public has access as of right or by invitation, express or implied. "Statements" include words spoken or written or recorded electronically, electromagnetically or otherwise and also include gestures, signs or other representations.

I guess we have to ad "people who choose to live their life the way they see fit" to the definition of identifiable group! Unbelievable! Doesn't this church group have something more positive to do with their time than to cause further pain and suffering for Tim's family?




MD in Ottawa
said

Hopefully someone with authority from Canada Border Services reads this and can stop these people at the border.

How could anyone say he deserved what happend? This is totally out of control.


Natalie
said

I can't believe this! Does she actually think that god would encourage such hatred and disrespect for the dead?


Anonymous
said

I am not sure I understand what this woman is referring to when she talks of Tim McLean's "filthy way of life". What exactly did he do that is so terrible that this woman feels is so terrible that it deserves punishment in the form of the horror that this man endured? Is it that he wasn't a religious man? If that is the case, then I assume we all deserve to die in the most horrible fashion. Unbelievable!!

Glo from Ottawa
said

Please... everyone reading this. This is not what Christianity is. This is not what the Bible teaches. These people are perverting everything that Christianity stands for. Please do not use what these people are saying as a basis to judge Christians.


Bob
said

I never thought I could feel sicker than I did reading about the senseless murder of Tim McLean. I now read this and know how worng I was.

Ben Martin
said

These people have forgotten or ignored the first tenet of the Christian faith, "For God so loved the world." We are all aware of our defects. Churches which name the name of Jesus only have the right to point out that we are loved in spite of our shortcomings. Accusation and condemnation belong to evil and as such their actions condemn them in the light of their own beliefs.


Ajay
said

This so called Church Group should be desisted from entering into Canada. Those spreading veil of hatred for the dead deserve no sympathy.


DJC
said

does anyone know who to contact for the general public to petition(in short order) the Canadaian Gov't to NOT let these people accross the border under a hate crimes law? if so please post, lets get this moving


David in Ontario
said

Wow. Just wow.
Having said that, we *do* have freedom of speech and expression in Canada, so all we can do it counter their message with our own.

Having just said THAT, I don't believe that a person's funeral is the place for protest. The worst thing we can do to this group is ignore them.

My two cents' worth.


IT Manager from Edmonton
said

We've all seen the reports about Tim McLean and I'm sure we'd all agree he was just a regular guy. We'd not all agree on his lifestyle choices but his very existance was a tribute to a free and democratic society, becuase at the end of the day Canada is the sum of it's moving parts and Mr. McLean was just a guy living his life free of the encumbrance typical of some societies around the globe. Just like the rest of us.

I welcome free speech becuase it makes us stronger and despise what's going on in Canada that restricts such activites (Human rights tribunals). But having said that I wish I was in Winnipeg to confront these clowns for their hateful message that will in the end only serve to harm the family and friends of Tim McLean.

No way in hell did he deserve to die like he did and no way does his family and friends deserve the hurt that will come from these people show up at his funeral.


Rest In Peace Tim McLean
said

I'm not religious, but isn't part of Jesus/God's message tolerance and acceptance? What a nut job!

I think everyone, including the press, needs to leave McLean's family alone so they can move through the grieving process.

Even if McLean lived a "filthy life" (which I don't think he did based on comments from those who knew him) no one deserves to be beheaded.

Religious fanatics have no place in our society.


As The World Churns
said

Is it me, or is the world just getting more and more bizzare lately?


An opinion
said

There really are no words.

These people are quite obviously looking for a reaction out of people and they are getting it. Completely agreed that Canada customs should not allow such hate mongers across the border.

Have a little decency and let this family grieve in peace.


Pastor Les from Ontario
said

As a pastor myself, I am horrified at the unbibilical, hateful rhetoric that incessantly spews from this group. I am relieved that Canadian authorities banned Fred Phelps from Canada back in the '90's (if my memory serves me correctly), and I certainly understand why his "church," made up entirely of relatives, is not growing.

My condolences to the McLean family, and my sincerest apologies for those who would presume to speak in the name of the God I serve.


Kim
said

This is a call for all Canadians who can, go to where ever the funeral is for this young man and fill the streets blocking these people from getting any where near Tim's family. If you can make it please do this for all the Canadians that can't make it. Do if for the Family


Also Anonymous
said

Odd, is this God's way of showing love, mercy and compassion? I think not! To me it sounds like the devil truly does exist. And these people (perhaps unknowingly)sound like they are being used by him in the guise of religion. Throughout history there have been such people.


Lynne
said

As a human being, I can hardly imagine the pain that Tim Maclean's loved ones are experiencing right now. As a Christian, I condemn the hateful actions of this so-called "church." As a Canadian citizen, I implore that this band of misfits be prevented from defiling MY country with their presence. If that is not legally possible, I implore Canadian law enforcement to keep them far enough away from the funeral service of this young innocent so that his family and friends are spared from any further pain that their noisy,evil utterances may cause.


Deborah Harper
said

I am from the US and so,so very sorry that this person is causing so much pain upon already existing pain and grief. This is unbelieveable and totally unacceptable. If she is such a good "Christian" (or whatever) then she has written/follows/shares her own bible of a horror belief system that 70 other lost souls are indulged in. RIP sweet Tim...


Mae
said

No person shall judge another person and use the name of God in vain. Only God can be the JUDGE no one else.

In good Faith, people who truly believe in God would pray for this man and his family to find peace and not create any more pain.


Emily
said

I think the local authorities and the custom agents should make a statement NOW before the weekend. This should be handled swiftly and not left to the weekend so that the McLean family can grieve in peace. I want to know what will be done. Perhaps by making a statement now, it will cause these hate mongers to cancel their "trip". While I hate that attention is being given to these people, I am glad that we know in advance, so that we can do the right thing to protect the McLean family.
The people of Winnipeg should demand to hear what the authorities will do should these people try to enter Canada.



Sara
said

These people are out of control, I can't even begin to understand how anyone could be so cruel.

I'm actually speechless.


Alison
said

The family should not have to deal with this. Canada needs to stand up for this family and keep these people, who are only seeking media attention to their "cause," away from the funeral, the city and, quite frankly, the country. Turn em back - I'm sure our hate laws can be used to keep them out.


000
said

They may be surprised to know that hate propaganda is a crime in Canada. If they step out of line, they could be in for some trouble.

Under s. 319(1) of the Criminal Code, anyone who communicates statements in a public place and thereby incites hatred against an identifiable group where such incitement leads to a breach of the peace is guilty of an indictable offence punishable by two years' imprisonment or a summary conviction offence. Section 319(2) makes it a crime to communicate, except in private conversation, statements that wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group. Section 319(7) defines "communicating" to include communicating by telephone, broadcasting or other audible or visible means. "Public place" is defined to include any place to which the public has access as of right or by invitation, express or implied. "Statements" include words spoken or written or recorded electronically, electromagnetically or otherwise and also include gestures, signs or other representations.




WMN
said

With all due respect Ms Shirley Phelps-Roper, mind your own business...


Ben
said

I am so sick of self-righteous religious groups propogating hipocritical hatred.

The Westboro Baptist Church is a joke. They claim they are "connecting the dots" and that Tim McLean's death is a result of Canadians rejecting god.

Are you kidding me? Are they saying that not one person in Canada believes in god or practices religion? It's pretty clear the only thing Westboro practices is ignorance.

And is Westboro Baptist Church trying to say that no one gets murdered in America? Last time I checked they have the highest murder rate amongst all first world countries in the entire world!!

I can guarantee one thing: if this group protests at Tim's funeral, they better have the army with them, otherwise us "fags" will give them the beating of their lifetime.


Nicole
said

These people should not be allowed in our country. This poor family has suffered enough, and then to have these "people", in the name of "God", invade their grief is disgusing. I don't pretend to have the answers, but from what I have been taught about God, this is not something He would approve of. If they want to kick up a stink about something, let them stay in their own country and do it. Don't come to ours and spread hate and ignorance!


David Knezevic
said

First things first, I would like to send out my condolences to the McLean Family, may Tim rest in peace. I have to agree with everyone thus far and to be honest, I really don't think the government will let us down. I do have a question, or a thought for Phelps-Roper: Did God approve of this message?


Tim
said

If you want to do something about this, call your local detachment of the RCMP and lay a criminal complaint against Ms Phelps-Roper.
Section 319(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada...
(2) Every one who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.




Jane
said

I certainly hope they are on a list that denies them entry into Canada!


nicole
said

This was someone child..how ignorant can people be. I can't understand how anyone can call themselves christians and splur this hatred. Let Tim's family grieve.


GP
said

I wish they'd drink the purple Koolaid already and be done with it. The world is better off without Religious Zealots who shove their beliefs where they're not welcome.


Dave
said

Whatever ever happened to a loving and forgiveing God? This religion is teaching the complete opposite.


Pam
said

There is a thread that holds true in many faiths, God is a God of love, no matter what name you know him by. God allowed Satan to torment Job and test his faith. Job stood firm in his faith and was later rewarded.
He who is without sin should cast the first stone. The Bible teaches that we all have sinned. God has said to love thy neighbour. There is no love in the actions of this group and they condone the breaking of one of the Ten Commandments, "Thou Shalt Not Murder". This group is not without sin.
I will pray for Tim Mclean's family as they face each day without their loved one. I will pray for this group in hopes that their hatred and anger may be replaced with love and compassion, which is of God.


James Barth
said

Assuming that there is a god, I would think he / she is sending a email to Saint Peter at the gate to put a hold on this persons passport into heaven and calling downstairs to get ready for one more.


Michel
said

They are seeking media attention at the expense of other people. God is love, not protest


Kent
said

I would like to add my condolences to Tim's family at their heartbreaking loss. And I urge I BEG anybody in Winnipeg who can help the Tim's family by keeping these so-called "christians" away from them to do so. I am honored to call myself Christian and can say that the attitude of this "church" is as far from Christianity as you can get. God Bless Tim and his family.


Let her in, and let the people welcome her
said

Although Phelps-Roper is in my opinion way, way off base in her assumptions, it certainly would be against what our country believes in to turn her and her posse back at the border.

We should not refuse entry into Canada based on what someone says, as Freedom Of Speech is one of our most important rights in this country. Introducing government to prevent her visit would be stupid.

Lets take it one step farther, we should let her into the country, and give her no government attention. Let's not provide police protection or interfere with the will of the people.

I'm quite sure the people will handle this stupid situation very well on their own. If I was there, she wouldn't feel welcome.




Steve
said

Here is a classic example of religion gone mad! The basic principles of religion especially christianity is supposed to be about not judging others, doing unto others, and to love as god loves. How can a group of so called christians turn so blatantly against what is supposedly the foundation of the faith and under these circumstances?!? To chose to vent hatred is one thing but at this time!! Beyond imagination.


Amalia
said

If you are disturbed by this article, please consider joining the Facebook group:
"Protest Against The Westboro Baptist Church Attending Tim McLean's Funeral"


Prynce
said

I have emailed Canada Border Agency and the Minister of Immigration asking them to deny entry to these persons including the details from this story as they may be able to be classified as entering Canada with the intent of performing a criminal act such as disturbing the peace. In addition I believe the minister of immigration of Canada has recently added powers of denying entry into Canada whom the government wishes at their discretion if needed.


Misty
said

One thing people in these areas that they want to protest in can do is COUNTER-PROTEST the protesters. Don't let them do this without a fight.


Fellow Winnipeger
said

What is our world coming to? These people will be allowed to attend and probably even have security protecting them while they 'perform', their 'freedom of speech'. This is ridiculous. Let the family grieve in peace. Would they be protesting if it was of their followers this happened to? I hope the border turns them away.


Mike from Waterloo
said

All, it is already too late.
The WBC is in Toronto protesting against whatever they can find and are moving westward. I guess they got past customs wearing fake nose and glasses.
My condolences to the McLean family. I pray that no more harm comes to all of you during this tragic time. May Tim rest in peace.



Kevin in Waterloo
said

Our society guarantees the right to free speech and freedom of religion. Everyone seems to be upset at Phelps-Roper (and justly so), but this is one of those unfortunate outcomes that is allowable under the very freedoms our society guarantees.

These abuses happen because we have a very narrow view that a right is guaranteed legally with no strings attached. Because of that, anytime a view like Phelp-Ropers is squashed, they scream violation of their rights!

My friend has a saying that he uses when raising his kids... "Every right comes with an equal responsibility". In this case, the right to free speech comes with a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world by using speech to protest injustice and to argue for a better world. Similarily, freedom of religion for one comes with a responsibility to live peaceably with others of different faiths.

Too bad our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, wasn't instead the Charter of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities. What a difference that would make!


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