September 7, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement after media reports that the Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest the funerals of Nevada National Guardsmen killed in Carson City on Tuesday:

“I am disgusted at reports that these hateful extremists plan to protest the funerals of Nevada National Guardsmen, whose lives were taken by a senseless act of violence on Tuesday. America owes men and women who have served our country the right to a dignified memorial and we all owe their families, who share their sacrifice, the right to mourn in peace. There is no place for hate speech in Carson City or any community in our country.”

BACKGROUND:

• In May 2010, Senator Reid filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Marine Lance Corp. Matthew Snyder’s family in their case against Westboro Baptist Church.

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