Bush backs bill limiting anti gay funeral protests

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • May 30, 2006 - 0:00

US President George W Bush has given his backing to a law prohibiting anti gay protests

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US President George W Bush has given his backing to a law prohibiting anti gay protests at military funerals.

His signature follows bills in Kentucky and Ohio regulating funeral protests in response to the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, after they said American military deaths are God's retribution for tolerance of gay people.

Westboro Baptist Church's Margie Phelps said: "America is doomed.

"President Bush doesn't have the power to stop the wrath of God or this message."

Reverend Fred Phelps, leader of the church,, has pledged a legal challenge to the law, he is supported by The American Civil Liberties Union who claim the law limits free speech.

The law, which coincided with Memorial Day yesterday in America, limits protests to an hour before and after the service and at least 300ft away from mourners.

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