(Photo: KFOR-TV-DT)
MOORE, OK -- Some Oklahoma parents are angry and worried about their children's safety. They say a controversial church group is targeting their kids.
The protestors are members of a Kansas church known for forming picket lines at military funerals. But this time, the protestors say they have a message for Oklahoma kids, and parents aren't happy about it.
"I don't have anything against them protesting. We live in America they're allowed to protest," Andrea Smith said. "I have a problem when it takes away my child's right to go to school without being harassed."
Officials in Moore say members of the Westboro Baptist Church aren't breaking any laws and are in compliance with protest regulations - rules some parents think are too lenient.
"Predators aren't allowed within so many yards of the school. Speeding is illegal around the school. Everything you can think of is illegal around the school. So, why should they be allowed to spread their filth around the school?" Smith said.
The group's website states, "We will picket your really large high school because you Southern hypocrites keep lying to the children." It also says "God has cursed you, with your parents' lies. Now God is rejecting your filthy raging lies violent brats."
They also refer to students as "sluts" and sent out a press release claiming "God hates Moore High School."
Though parents point out predators are not allowed near schools, police say the church's vulgar message is legal.
"This falls under a different category," Moore Police Officer Jeremy Lewis said. "They know what their rights are, and they pursue them."
However, some parents feel those rights are too much.
"They've got every right to protest. Just don't do it around my kids," Smith said. "Somebody's going to get hurt."
The protest is Monday afternoon and counter-protestors obtained a permit as well. About fifteen police officers will be patrolling the area near Eastern and Main.
Classes at Moore High School will be dismissed fifteen minutes early in an effort to get students away before the protest starts.
Contact KFOR News directly by clicking here if you would like to submit a news story tip or suggestion.
Copyright 2009 KFOR-TV-DT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The protestors are members of a Kansas church known for forming picket lines at military funerals. But this time, the protestors say they have a message for Oklahoma kids, and parents aren't happy about it.
"I don't have anything against them protesting. We live in America they're allowed to protest," Andrea Smith said. "I have a problem when it takes away my child's right to go to school without being harassed."
Officials in Moore say members of the Westboro Baptist Church aren't breaking any laws and are in compliance with protest regulations - rules some parents think are too lenient.
"Predators aren't allowed within so many yards of the school. Speeding is illegal around the school. Everything you can think of is illegal around the school. So, why should they be allowed to spread their filth around the school?" Smith said.
The group's website states, "We will picket your really large high school because you Southern hypocrites keep lying to the children." It also says "God has cursed you, with your parents' lies. Now God is rejecting your filthy raging lies violent brats."
They also refer to students as "sluts" and sent out a press release claiming "God hates Moore High School."
Though parents point out predators are not allowed near schools, police say the church's vulgar message is legal.
"This falls under a different category," Moore Police Officer Jeremy Lewis said. "They know what their rights are, and they pursue them."
However, some parents feel those rights are too much.
"They've got every right to protest. Just don't do it around my kids," Smith said. "Somebody's going to get hurt."
The protest is Monday afternoon and counter-protestors obtained a permit as well. About fifteen police officers will be patrolling the area near Eastern and Main.
Classes at Moore High School will be dismissed fifteen minutes early in an effort to get students away before the protest starts.
Contact KFOR News directly by clicking here if you would like to submit a news story tip or suggestion.
Copyright 2009 KFOR-TV-DT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
