Nate Phelps, Former Westboro Baptist Church Member: I Don't Know If WBC Should Be Labeled Hate Group

Former Westboro Baptist Church Member: I Don't Know If WBC Should Be Labeled Hate Group

Nate Phelps, the son of Westboro Baptist Church's founder Fred Phelps, appeared on HuffPost Live Wednesday to discuss the controversial organization's plans to picket funerals of children killed in the Newtown, Conn., elementary school massacre. Nate Phelps left the parish at 18 years old and has since become an advocate for LGBT rights.

Nate left the church with three other siblings who are also estranged from the organization. He currently identifies as an atheist and is a public speaker on child abuse and religion. Phelps has publicly stated that his father was abusive and his church was simply a pulpit for his father to vent his rage.

Currently, Nate serves as the Executive Director of the Centre for Inquiry Canada, a secular organization that educates and advocates for reason and science. He also serves on the board of directors for Recovering from Religion, an organization which offers education and practical support for people moving away from religion.

In his conversation with HuffPost Live, Nate discussed whether or not the Westboro Baptist Church should be labeled a hate group.

CORRECTION: A previous headline on this story indicated that Phelps had said he didn't think the WBC should be labeled a hate group. It has now been clarified.

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