The notoriously homophobic Westboro Baptist Church has, unsurprisingly, promised to picket the funerals of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting, saying that “God sent the shooter” as a response to America’s acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. It’s time for this abuse to stop.

If you are so inclined, sign this White House petition asking the Obama administration to recognize Westboro as a hate group. The petition is well above the 25,000 signatures needed for the White House to acknowledge it, and though the government doesn’t actually designate “official hate groups,” it may be time to start. 

Of course, this does pose some serious questions about free speech, freedom of assembly, etc etc. However, we have regulations on hate crimes for a reason. Do Westboro’s actions constitute hate speech that could be considered criminal harassment? I’d say so.