November 1, 2007 | Sex & Society

Fred Phelps ordered to pay $11 million

Looks like Fred Phelps will finally have to pay for all the crap he's put this world through. Best known for his endless attacks on all things gay, from Matthew Shephard to same-sex marriage to rainbows and butterflies and unicorns, the homophobic preacher may have pushed one family too far.

At a funeral for Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder, killed while serving his country in the Iraq war, Phelps and his family interrupted by waving signs that said "Thank God for Dead Soldiers." According to Fred, servicemen and women are being killed as God's punishment for a country that tolerates homosexuality.

Snyder's family took Fred and two of his daughters to court and a federal jury in Baltimore ordered the Phelps family to pay $11 million in damages.

Fred scoffed at the decision. "It was a bunch of silly heads passing judgment on God. I don't believe anyone in the courtroom knows what the First Amendment is. Religious views are expressly protected by the First Amendment. You can't prosecute a preacher in civil law or in criminal law for what he preaches."

Yes, the decision will be appealed. And it may even be overturned. But one thing will always remain true: Fred Phelps and clan are some of the most pathetic individuals this world may ever know.