Picketers Change Plans to Protest Marine's Funeral

Protestors from Westboro Bapist Church recently threatened to picket the Friday funeral of , but now seem to have made other plans.

A press release posted on the church's website announced its intent to convene 45 minutes before Singer's funeral service Friday at in Lake Forest.

However, as the Orange County Sheriff's Department made contingency plans in case the protest became dangerous for either the protestors or the funeral attendees, the group told police that it has canceled the protest.

"We've spoken with the group and they've assured us they will not be coming out due to another commitment," said sheriff's Sgt. Angel Andrade. "We'll take all the precautions necessary to make sure the people there feel safe and welcome."

Still, the police presence in the area—though it may not necessarily be visible—will be greater than if Westboro protestors had never planned to be in the area, he said.

The Topeka, Ks-based Westboro Baptist Church regularly protests military funerals, claiming God is killing American troops because of homosexuality in the United States.

The church’s message is that God is against America for allowing the continuation of sin, according to the church’s statement.

"Military funerals have become pagan orgies of idolatrous blasphemy, where they pray to the dunghill gods of Sodom & play taps to a fallen fool," according to the church.

Singer, a Marine who had been stationed at Camp Pendleton before deployment, died in combat Jan. 21 in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. His body , where a Hero Mission ceremony was performed in his honor. 

Singer's father lives in Lake Forest and his memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Friday at , at 1 Saddleback Parkway. The community is invited to attend the funeral.