The notoriously homophobic Westboro Baptist Church has declared its intention to protest at the funeral of actor Heath Ledger. Fanatical church protesters 28-year-old Ledger was best-known for his Oscar-nominated performance in gay-themed cowboy movie Brokeback Mountain. He was found dead in his New York City apartment yesterday, with the cause of death still unknown, but is thought to be an accidental sleeping pill overdose. The Westboro Baptist Church, led by Fred Phelps, first came to prominence for picketing the funeral of murdered gay teen Matthew Shepard in 1998, and has since has gained notoriety by protesting at the funerals of US service personnel killed in action. Mr Phelps has announced his intention to picket Mr Ledger's funeral in a statement: "Heath Ledger thought it was great fun defying God Almighty and his plain word; to wit: God Hates Fags!
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 24th January 2008 - 8:08am