Updated: March 02, 2011

Our First Amendment rights are clearly outlined in the U.S. Constitution, but the effects of freedom of speech can get murky when the words harm others. The latest freedom of speech debate involves protests at funerals -- more specifically, funerals of fallen soldiers, where members of the Westboro Baptist Church carry picket signs that read: "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday on a case against the member of the church, Snyder v. Phelps, that involved a Maryland father of a marine killed in Iraq who sued a Kansas family that protested near his son's funeral. The court said that the members of the Westboro Baptist Church do have the right to protest.

Specifically, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: "What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous." He went on to say, ""As a nation we have chosen a different course -- to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate."

The First Amendment prevents the government from infringing on a citizen's right to say what they want. However, using a private event like a funeral to express anti-gay sentiment is extremely offensive to the deceased soldier, his family and most members of the military.

Last fall, we told you about the case and asked your opinion on it. Check out our original report below and find out what you thought in the gallery of responses. And if you have something to say about the ruling, leave your thoughts in the comments.