Westboro “Baptist Church” to protest the 500

Less than a month after the death of its founder, Westboro Baptist Church has announced plans to continue picketing — and the Indianapolis 500 is on the agenda.

Fred Phelps died in March and was known for creating the church that earned its reputation picketing at military funerals.

The church has announced a number of upcoming picketing events, including Indy 500 race day. According to the church’s website, it’s targeting the race for two reasons — Jim Nabors and mass consumption of alcohol. Nabors and his longtime male partner wed last year in Washington, after gay marriage became legal in the state. Westboro Baptist Church stands against gay marriage.

According to the church, the picket at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on race day.

Nabors will sing “Back Home Again In Indiana" at the Indianapolis 500 for the final time this year. Nabors first sang at the race in 1972 and has returned 34 times since then. WISHtv