"I do not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
- Voltaire
We do not agree with the message of the Westboro Baptist Church, but we respect and defend freedom of speech, one of our nation's founding principles.
Members of Westboro Baptist Church, based in Topeka, Kan., intend to protest today in Jefferson City at three sites - the Capitol, Lincoln University and Jefferson City High School.
This will not be the first time group members have staged protests in Central Missouri. Our readers will recall previous protests at funerals for military members. Church members contend the deaths are God's punishment for a nation that tolerates homosexuality.
On its website, Westboro Baptist Church referenced the unrest in Ferguson and "a governor who tries to imprison WBC for telling you the truth."
Members of the church are entitled to speak freely and protest peacefully.
The Jefferson City Police Department has issued a statement acknowledging that right, as well as its preparations "to ensure that these types of demonstrations remain peaceful and safe for both those protesting as well as those counter-protesting."
Peaceful counter protests are an option, but are not recommended.
The outrageous nature of the Westboro message is designed to provoke a reaction. If counter-protesters are drawn into a confrontation, they will play right into the hands of Westboro members.
The preferable option is to ignore the pickets and demonstrations. Exercising the freedom to ignore is a powerful statement against abhorrent, inflammatory speech.