Sigh. They’re back.

The insufferable Westboro Baptist Church is threatening a protest at the funeral of Sgt. Richard Parker, the Phillips soldier killed in Iraq on June 13. His funeral is today at Mt. Abram High School in Salem Township, and supporters of this Kansas-based church of intolerance say they’ll be there.

It’s a tired refrain. They believe, for some reason, that God is murdering American soldiers because our culture accepts homosexuals, and threaten to picket every soldier’s funeral across the United States (and, inexplicably, also two concerts featuring Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie, according to their Web site).

Thankfully, lawmakers passed LD 246 this past session, which empowers police to arrest demonstrators outside funerals or memorial services if their actions could invoke a violent response. Parker’s funeral is the first test of the law, which was sponsored by Sen. David Hastings, R-Fryeburg, and signed by Gov. John Baldacci on May 18.

We hope it’s enforced vigorously, and enthusiastically, if the cowardly churchgoers even decide to appear.

Real credit, as well, should be extended to the selfless members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who accompany the bodies of fallen soldiers to ensure their safe passage throughout Maine. The group has arisen to counter the Westboro zealots and are a fine example of American patriotism.

They are heroes who protect the solemnity and integrity of the final public salute for a fallen soldier, as it only takes a misguided outlook on life – and a knowledge of the First Amendment – to spread bigotry and hatred, as the unwelcome Westboro outcasts have chosen to perpetuate.

It takes honor and dignity, though, to continually stand against these zealots, to express how Americans value the sacrifice of our military men and women.

Thank you, Patriot Guard Riders, for all that you do.