Westboro Baptist Church Threatens Protest at Fort Stewart Soldier's Funeral

The Westboro Baptist Church is threatening to protest at the funeral of a Fort Stewart soldier who died recently in Afghanistan. 

The church, which has been labeled "arguably the most obnoxious and rabid hate group in America" by the Southern Poverty Law Center, often pickets the funerals of soldiers, protesting what church members claim is America's permissive attitude toward homosexuality. The church also often threatens protests that never materialize.

On Wednesday, the church posted a press release on its web site threatening to protest the funeral of Sgt. Stefan Smith, who was killed July 23 along with two other 3rd Infantry Division soldiers in a suicide bombing.

According to the release, Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest "in respectful, lawful proximity to the memorial of Staff Sgt. Stefan M. Smith" Sunday in Ludiwici.

A counter-protest has already sprung up on Facebook. The organizer, Amanda Myrda, wrote on the counter-protest page that she hoped for volunteers "to create a human barrier/shield to protect the family of Sgt. Stefan Smith from seeing the WBC and their stupidity." By 4:30 p.m. Thursday, more than 200 people had already sent word to the page that they would be joining the counter-protest.

For more information about the counter-protest, click here.

Smith's funeral is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at New Beginnings Church in Ludowici. Those wishing to join the counter-protest should meet there at noon.