Fred Phelps, the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, has reportedly died at the age of 84. I have nothing profound to say about his passing. Anyone who made it his life’s work to hold “God Hates Fags” signs at funerals is a sad commentary on his upbringing and the failures of our country’s mental health system.

Five years ago this spring and summer, the Phelps crowd came to central Iowa to protest the arrival of marriage equality and picket Jewish sites around town. The Jewish community chose not to engage with them. I wholeheartedly agreed with that decision, because the Westboro Baptist Church does not represent a social movement. They are basically a family cult of mentally ill people. I believe that they thrive on the negative attention they receive from those offended by their message. Being denounced on social media or confronted by a counter-protest is likely more gratifying than having no one react to their bigotry.  

I urge people who believe in tolerance to ignore everything the Westboro Baptist Church leaders say and do from now on. Focus your outrage on something more constructive.

Any relevant thoughts are welcome in this thread. I’ve enclosed below comments from State Senator Matt McCoy, who credited Phelps with inadvertently helping the gay rights movement.

P.S.- I am aware that it’s ironic for me to write about a topic I would rather see ignored.  

Facebook status update from Senator Matt McCoy on March 16:

Fred Phelps is on his death bed. It occurs to me this evening that Phelps has done more individually to promote acceptance and tolerance than anyone I know. Phelps actually appealed to the worst in everyone. By promoting hate and intolerance in such an audacious and active way, he caused good people to rise up against him and in favor of gay rights.

Whether protesting at a funeral of a fallen serviceman, or a high school graduation of a gay homecoming King, his outrageous hatred was out front and center. By confronting this ugly reality, people started getting honest about what they believed and why.

I hope that Fred knows that his division, hatred and polarizing techniques drove the movement forward at a rapid pace. His movement oddly accomplished what the gay rights movement sought acceptance, tolerance and inclusion.

Thanks Fred–You made us FAGS POPULAR and ACCEPTED! I hope GOD is a big gay queen.