Phelps’ death a beginning

Thu., April 3, 2014

On March 19, the Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps died. His death brings a new era, hopefully an era of peace and respect. Every day, I see the battle of gay rights take place with heated exchanges from both sides. I think it is time to stop for a moment and look at the bigger picture.

First, people do have the right of freedom of speech and religion. This argument of keeping religion out of it really doesn’t work. People have the right to include their religion and base their beliefs off of it. Keeping religion out of it is just asking people to not exercise their rights as an American.

Secondly, it is time for people to stop persecuting and start accepting. Again, people have a right to an opinion, but not shoving it down people’s throats. Maybe one day this topic will be a debate, not a war.

Kelton Hedstrom

Spokane

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