Fred Phelps has died. The 84-year old founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, which marketed itself as “God Hates Fags,” was reportedly excommunicated by his own family members and other Church elders last August. He was recently placed in hospice care for an undisclosed illness and died last night.
LOOK: Why Was ‘God Hates Fags’ Founder Fred Phelps Excommunicated? You’ll Be Shocked.
The Topeka, Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, which has only a few dozen members, many of whom are family, was added to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of active anti-gay hate groups. Its actions are closely watched by both the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Phelps leaves behind a wife, Margie, and reportedly 13 children.
Phelps and his followers regularly picketed the funerals of LGBT people, service members, and pop-culture celebrities. Their announcements profess they will picket but often they don’t show.
Kansas First News reported Phelps’ son Tim Phelps, announced the death of his father.
This is a developing story — stay tuned for updates.
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Hat tip: Tee Jay