Having been repelled from protesting at a Toronto play that satirised their rabid homophobic urges, infamous Topekan misfits the Phelps clan are currently planning to inflict themselves on Vancouver, instead, after spotting a planned performance of Matt Shepherd’s memorial, The Laramie Project, was about to materialise.

Over a decade ago, Matt Shepherd was murdered by Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney in Laramie, Wyoming. Moises Kauffman’s play about the hate crime and murder is based on more than three hundred interviews with residents of the town, and their reaction to the tragedy. The Vancouver cast were disgusted to hear about the efforts of the ambulatory Phelps cult and their plan to exploit the event, but it seems that thanks to an irate Facebooker, there will be a hefty counter-demonstration to repell it. One wonders if the Phelps will cancel their latest planned Canadian sortie when they realise the extent of the opposition in the True North.

Phelps is execrated across North America for his attempted offensive exploitation of military funerals of service personnel to fuel his vitriolic homophobic crusade.  As for Canada, well, they legalised same-sex marriage! The elderly misanthrope’s daughter, Shirley Phelps-Roper,  had this to say:

“Isn’t it good to have a voice to remind you that the only good thing about Matthew Shepard is he is in hell for eternity?” she asks.

“There’s nothing we have planned that is unlawful. We stand out on the public right of way and show our signs,” she continues.“The Lord is coming,” she warns. “America is doomed.”Whether they’ll actually get across the border is another matter altogether, as cult members may be intercepted by Canada’s Border Control if it is determined they’re hatemongering.

Recommended:
Jeremy Hainsworth: “Phelps plans Vancouver Protest” Xtra Vancouver: 12.11.08: http://www.xtra.ca