The Westboro Baptist Church has once again attacked Kevin Smith and his upcoming horror film ‘Red State,’ calling the director a “God-hating clown,” TMZ is reporting. The spokesperson for the independent church, which is based in Topeka, Kansas, and is known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, added that God hates gay people and their supporters, “therefore God hates (Kevin) Smith.”

‘Red State,’ which is set to hit theaters on September 23, stars Michael Parks as extremist preacher Abin Cooper, whose followers kill those they perceive to be sinners. John Goodman portrays the FBI agent sent to manage a siege on the preacher’s compound. The church in the film reportedly bares a resemble to Westboro.

Smith has said he’s unfazed by Westboro’s promise to disrupt ‘Red State’s release. He told TMZ “Well, Jesus told ME he loved ‘Red State.’ He said it makes up for ‘Cop Out.’ He also said neither He nor His Heavenly Father have any affiliation with the Westboro Baptist Church.” The director added that he wants Westboro to know that ‘Red State’ is now available on VOD.

The news of Westboro’s latest protest comes after members picketed ‘Red State’s Sundance premiere in January 2011. In response, Smith asked his fans to organize a counter-protest across the street, as he said his opponents don’t intimidate him.

Written by: Karen Benardello