The U.S. Supreme Court this week ruled in favor of the rights of Westboro Baptist Church members to protest at soldiers’ funerals, reaffirming the protections in the U.S. Constitution for free speech.
But, that doesn’t mean the soldier’s family must listen to the repugnant speech or view the extremist language on the picket signs. 900 bikers from around the country are making sure they don’t have to.
The Patriot Guard Riders, many of them former veterans, protect funeral-goers from the hurtful speech by creating a ‘wall’ of American flags and soaring patriotic music to shield families from the protest.
Since the high court ruling, new members are rushing to join the Patriot Guard Riders, a charitable organization formed in Kansas in 2005, after bikers belonging to the American Legion first heard about the Westboro Baptist protests and decided to take action.
The group doesn’t confront the protestors at all. Instead, they shield the family from the brunt of the abuse.
(WATCH the video below, and also READ a feature in the York Daily Record)
Thanks to Nancy Peske for submitting the story!