Mother of soldier speaks on funeral protest case

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The mother of a soldier killed five years ago says she's disappointed by a court ruling protecting the protesters at her son's funeral.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that the Westboro Baptist Church, which holds anti-gay protests at the funerals of soldiers, is protected by the First Amendment.

Lottie Hermanson, the mother of National Guard Spc. Michael Hermanson, tells The Forum in Fargo that she understands the Constitution protects free speech, but doesn't agree with the Westboro church's tactics.

She says she's thankful to the North Dakota Patriot Guard Riders, one of many groups across the country that shields families from protesters, for serving at her funeral.

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