Anti-Gay Church Files Open Records Request In Topeka

The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas has gained notoriety for its picketing of veterans' funerals with signs claiming that military deaths stem from U.S. tolerance of homosexuality. (See prior posting.) Today's Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the church has now filed an open records request with the city of Topeka. It seeks information on letters that the city has sent to other communities alerting them of Westsboro's plans to picket there. The request asks for all communications sent by Topeka government officials regarding Westboro Baptist Church, and information on the time spent and funds expended in sending out warnings. Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten says he sent out the letters to deflect anger at Topeka felt by other communities. Westboro's spokesperson, Shirley Phelps-Roper, however, argues that the Constitution bars the mayor from using government funds or facilities to take aim in this way at a religious group.