(RNS) The British government has banned the Rev. Fred Phelps, the controversial anti-gay Kansas pastor, and his daughter from the United Kingdom because they are “fostering hatred.”

Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., and his daughter, Shirley Phelps-Roper, were among 16 people named Tuesday (May 5) by the government. Known for their “God Hates Fags” protest signs, they were cited specifically for “engaging in unacceptable behavior by fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the United Kingdom.”

The two of them were barred from entering Britain in February when they planned to picket a performance of “The Laramie Project,” a play that depicts the 1998 murder of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo.

“Coming to the UK is a privilege and I refuse to extend that privilege to individuals who abuse our standards and values to undermine our way of life,” said Home Secretary Jacqui Smith in a statement. “Therefore, I will not hesitate to name and shame those who foster extremist views as I want them to know that they are not welcome here.”

Phelps-Roper, a spokeswoman and attorney for Westboro Baptist, said Smith’s decision — which she called “this little mischief” — will only increase publicity about her church’s position.

“She thinks she can ban the Word of God from their borders?” Phelps-Roper asked. “She’s messing with the wrong God.”