Lorde laughs off threat of Westboro Baptist Church protest

Royals singer Lorde is laughing off a planned protest outside her upcoming Missouri concert by members of ultra-religious group the Westboro Baptist Church, urging her fans to hug the extremists.

The activists, who regularly demonstrate outside the gigs of music acts they disapprove of, have attacked the teenager for taking the Lord's name in vain - and adding an E.

And they don't like the fact she has become a huge star, adding, "New Zealand came forth with a young lassie that doesn't have enough sense to put in a thimble. Now the world has elevated her to the status of an idol."

So they're planning a protest outside the Midland Theater in Kansas City prior to Lorde's show there on Friday (21Mar14), prompting the singer to urge fans to welcome the WBC members.

In a tweet to fans, she writes, "Everyone wear rainbow clothing to that show. Everyone try to kiss church members who are same sex as you they will so love it."

The extremists, led by Fred Phelps and his son Nate, are fervently opposed to homosexuality and have staged many protests against artists who are gay or who promote same sex relationships.