Banned in the UK

UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith decided to ban hate preacher Fred Phelps and his daughter from entering the UK.  The Phelps were planning on picketing a college's performance of The Laramie Project, which is play based on the murder of Matthew Shepherd.  The Home Secratery used her power to prevent the Phelp's entry just as she earlier banned a right wing Dutch MP fro entering the country because he made anti-Muslim statements.  The UK says that it is dedicated to fighting extremism that causes violence.

As a staunch supporter of free speech, I agree with the leader of the UK gay rights group that called Phelps "odious" but disagrees with the decision to ban him from entering the UK.

However, I can't help but feel a twinge of joy anytime someone like Phelp's gets slapped down a little bit.