FBI kept 250-page file on ‘God Hates Fags’ hate preacher
The FBI has revealed that it kept an extensive file on hate preacher Fred Phelps, the man behind the notoriously anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church.
Mr Phelps – who founded the anti-gay hate group and began its traditioning of homophobic pickets – died in March 2014.
After a Freedom of Information request submitted by The Hill, it has been revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation kept extensive tabs on the preacher, starting in the 1960s.
In 1967, he was labelled “in need of psychiatric care” by the FBI – and later described as a “radical extremist” and “zealot” as he began the group’s now-famous protests in the 90s.
The records grew more extensive as time grew on, with the group’s activities monitored every year between 1993 to 2006.
The intelligence bureau also kept copies of the group’s inflammatory press releases and copies of reports regarding its protests – as well as information regarding threats made against Phelps.
The singer was not deterred by the group when appearing at the event – even stopping to pose for a picture with them.
Arrived just now at #GCNConf to a loud crowd of Westboro Baptist protestors..and to a giant rainbow above them. pic.twitter.com/g3GxtcboJZ
— Vicky Beeching (@vickybeeching) January 10, 2015
I smiled, said hello & told the Westboro Baptist folks we loved each of them. Love wins over judgement. #GCNConf pic.twitter.com/ldHUwXA55K
— Vicky Beeching (@vickybeeching) January 10, 2015
She tweeted: “Arrived just now at #GCNConf to a loud crowd of Westboro Baptist protesters..and to a giant rainbow above them.
“I smiled, said hello & told the Westboro Baptist folks we loved each of them. Love wins over judgement.”
