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05-21-2008, 09:31 AM | |
Supporter
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Phelps family loses in court
In another case, sides argue tax status of truck Published Wednesday, May 21, 2008 But the decision may be irrelevant if the church's appeal of a federal court decision in Maryland fails. In fact, a decision Monday in the Maryland case removed a legal obstacle to beginning collections on the property. This past October, a federal district court in Maryland found Pastor Fred W. Phelps Sr., Shirley L. Phelps-Roper, Rebekah A. Phelps-Davis and Westboro Baptist Church had invaded the privacy of and inflicted intentional emotional distress on the family of a Marine whose funeral was picketed by church members. A jury awarded Albert Snyder, father of the Marine, compensatory damage of $2.9 million and punitive damage of $8 million. But on Feb. 4, U.S. District Court Judge Richard D. Bennett reduced the punitive damage to $2.1 million, for a total judgment of $5 million. The church and the Phelpses filed a petition seeking a stay on the collection on that penalty. They also filed an appeal of the verdict. If the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Maryland upholds the lower court decision, property owned by the three named Phelps family members and the church itself would be confiscated. The appeals court there issued an order Monday denying the church's request for a stay in the execution of the lower court's ruling. No date has been set for the hearing on the appeal itself. Sean Summers, a York, Pa., attorney representing Snyder, said rejection of the stay allows the court to proceed to collection of the church's property even though the ruling has been appealed. The issue of the property tax on the pickup truck was heard Tuesday in Topeka before the Kansas Court of Appeals. Margie Phelps, an attorney and member of the church, argued that all of the church's messages are representations of what the church considers to be its religious purpose. But Shawn Leisinger, assistant Shawnee County counselor, noted that Kansas law requires that a property must be used exclusively for religious purposes to be exempt from taxation. He noted the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals ruled the truck was subject to taxation because of evidence presented that there was at least some political content in the messages. He said that of 602 picket signs cited in the BOTA case, 250 named public figures, many of them political figures. Westboro Baptist Church is known for picketing and using other means to protest against acceptance of homosexuality. The strongly worded picket signs and other activities used during the pickets anger a number of people. And that was used by Margie Phelps as part of her argument that the signs aren't political. "If any member of this church were to endorse a political candidate — which they never do — it would be the kiss of death," she said. Mike Hall can be reached at (785) 295-1209 or mike.hall@cjonline.com. |
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05-21-2008, 09:32 AM | #2 |
Someone pass the antifreeze
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Karma's a 3itch
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05-21-2008, 09:40 AM | #3 |
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05-21-2008, 09:53 AM | #4 | |
Reap the whirlwind
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05-21-2008, 10:04 AM | #5 |
Stuff & Things
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I know one thing, if a loved one of mine died serving their country and this sonbitch showed at the funeral, I would be the one serving time.
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05-21-2008, 10:11 AM | #6 |
Banned
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I put the bastards on iggy
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05-21-2008, 10:14 AM | #7 |
Thats Right, Sniff the Glue!!!
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Can the courts actually sieze the property that the church is on? If so, that is turning a frown, upside down right there.
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05-21-2008, 10:28 AM | #8 | |
Keep doubting J MFing Houston
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The only smiles on a horrible day. GREAT guy. He was so cool, that I was estatic(sp) that he was engaged to my sister. James "Dusty" Carroll RIP Last edited by beach tribe; 05-21-2008 at 02:50 PM.. |
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05-21-2008, 10:35 AM | #9 | |
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
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05-21-2008, 10:36 AM | #10 | |
America is great assholes~
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05-21-2008, 10:49 AM | #11 | |
Blah Blah Blah
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05-21-2008, 10:51 AM | #12 | |
Rookie
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I still can't find anyting in the NKJ Bible that agrees with what they are doing. I keep looking and don't find anything that could even be misinterpreted to justify what they do. |
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05-21-2008, 10:53 AM | #13 |
In Search of a Life
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How big is their church? Anyone know?
I cant imagine many sharing thier core beliefs outside of family members? Kind of sad really. Im sure many of those are brainwashed zombies from birth on this sort of nonsense. I wish the press would stop giving these idiots run. They are only getting what they want.
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05-21-2008, 11:07 AM | #14 | |
We're the band!
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While it is "news", were it not for the internet this would merit only a few inches of column near the back of the local news section of the paper. |
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05-21-2008, 11:56 AM | #15 |
Champs!
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They can if the family fails to pay for the damages.
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