Well known for picketing the funerals of US soldiers killed in Iraq with "God Hates Fags" billboards, Fred Phelps, 71, and his 51-year-old daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper have been barred from entering the UK.
Members of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church commonly use "God Hates Fags" billboards when they picket gay-related events and the funerals of US soldiers killed in Iraq, who the church claim, have died because God is punishing America for its acceptance of homosexuality.
"God hates the Queen Mary's College, and the fag-infested UK, England, and all having to do with spreading sodomite lies via The Laramie Project, this tacky bit of cheap fag propaganda masquerading as legitimate theater," the group said on their web site.
Upon learning of the ban, the notorious Westboro Baptist Church, which is predominantly populated by founder Phelps and some 70 members of his family, claimed it had secretly dispatched followers to the UK to avoid being denied entry to the country under Britain's anti-hate laws.
The planned protest will mark the first time the group has held protests outside North America.
The group made the headlines in 1998 when members picketed Shepard's funeral to promote their belief that homosexuals are destined for hell. The continued to cause outrage by protesting at the funerals of American soldiers, who the church claim, have died because God is punishing America for its acceptance of homosexuality.
According to the UK's Timesonline, the UK Border Agency confirmed the ban saying that both "individuals have engaged in unacceptable behaviour by inciting hatred against a number of communities."
"The Government has made it clear it opposes extremism in all its forms.
"We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country.
"The exclusions policy is targeted at all those who seek to stir up tension and provoke others to violence regardless of their origins and beliefs."
The move follows the UK Home Office's recent decision to deport Dutch MP Geert Wilders fearing that his views on Islam would "threaten community harmony and therefore public safety."
Prominent gay activist Peter Tatchell was quoted as saying in the Times that although he loathed their views, he disagreed with the decision to ban the Phelpses and Wilders.
"The Phelpses are odious, homophobic bigots. They give Christianity a bad name," he said. "Objectionable though they are, I don't agree with them being banned. But since the Home Secretary banned the Dutch MP Geert Wilders at least she is being consistent by also banning these Christian preachers of hate."
Last week, Wilders flew in to London's Heathrow airport despite being informed of the ban in advance. Wilders's controversial short film Fitna juxtaposes verses from the Koran with images of terrorist bombings and violence.