Updated: Court Orders Killed Marine's Dad to Pay Protestors Who Rallied at Son's Funeral

Meredith Jessup | March 30, 2010 4:07 PM

Unbelievable: A federal appeals court has ordered the father of a Marine killed in Iraq--whose funeral drew protestors from a church notorious for demonstrations--to pay the protestors' $16,510 legal bill. The

AP reports:

On Friday, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ordered Snyder to pay $16,510 to Fred Phelps. Phelps is the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church, which conducted protests at Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder's funeral in 2006.

The two-page decision supplied by attorneys for Albert Snyder of York, Pa., offered no details on how the court came to its decision.

Attorneys also said Snyder is struggling to come up with fees associated with filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court.

The decision adds "insult to injury," said Sean Summers, one of Snyder's lawyers.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case and will have to decide whether protestors' messages are protected by the First Amendment in cases like this.

Update: The American Legion is stepping forward to help the Snyder family finance their court battle and have established a donation fund to help pay for their mounting legal fees. The Legion also plans to submit an amicus brief in the Snyders' case to the Supreme Court.

These people have been through so much and it is a shame they're having to endure through this court case. If you're able, help to let the Snyders know how grateful Americans are for their son's heroism and sacrifice. Click here to donate and help raise enough money to cover their court-ordered legal expenses and any other expenses incurred in their appeal to the Supreme Court.