Are radical hate groups protected by the 1st Amendment?

Legal Disclaimer: In no way does the Debate Committee, its members or advisor, endorse, support or defend the ideas, thoughts, statements or actions of the Westboro Baptist Church and other hate groups.

First Amendment of the Constitution: 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Westboro Baptist Church: 

The Westboro Baptist Church is an Independent Baptist church and hate group known for its anti-homosexuality and its protest activities, which include picketing funerals and desecrating the American Flag.


Legal Responses: 
Many states such as Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan and Illinois signed bills that make it a felony to protest at certain distances from a military or civilian funeral. In 2006, President George W. Bush signed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act. It prohibits protest within 300 feet of any cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration. 


Lawsuit Responses: 
Fred Phelps as well as Westboro Baptist Church Inc. were sued by the Snyder family after they protested at Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder's funeral. The U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett stated that the First Amendment protection of free speech has limits, including vulgar, offensive and shocking statements. 


Links:
Westboro Baptist Church on Fox News: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UMP3AK5jwo
Westboro Baptist Church Internet Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C6YOJh4tGc
Westboro Baptist Church Official Website: http://www.godhatesfags.com/