Dead Soldier’s Father Ordered To Pay Westboro Baptist’s Legal Fees

by Thomas Wellborn

Al Snyder lost his son in Iraq in 2006.  During the funeral, members of the radical anti-gay “Westboro Baptist Church” picketed with their hateful signs, causing tremendous emotional stress for Mr. Snyder and all those in attendance.

Snyder filed a civil lawsuit against the church and its leader, Fred Phelps, and won a $5 million settlement, but in a disturbing twist of fate, the case was tossed out a federal court, and Snyder has been ordered to pay the church’s legal fees.

Lawyers for the father of a Marine who died in Iraq say a court has ordered him to pay legal costs for the anti-gay protesters who picketed his son’s funeral.

The protesters are led by Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church. Albert Snyder of York, Pa., had won a $5 million verdict against Phelps, but it was thrown out on appeal.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed earlier this month to consider whether the protesters’ provocative messages, which include phrases like “Thank God for dead soldiers,” are protected by the First Amendment.

Lawyers say Snyder already is struggling to come up with the fees associated with filing the brief with the high court.

If you wish to offer support to the Snyder family regarding this despicable incident, you may do so here.

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