The religious hatemongers failed to disturb Heath Ledger's memorial service in Los Angeles:

Heath Ledger's family and loved ones have held a private memorial service at a chapel in Los Angeles.

The service took place under heavy security last night at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary in a bid to thwart paparazzi and US religious extremists.

Religious groups vowed to picket the memorial because of Ledger's performance as a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.

The memorial took place after hours at the chapel. Security guards manned the front gates and Los Angeles police checked the grounds to ensure Ledger's parents, Kim and Sally, his sister Kate, ex-fiancee Michelle Williams, his two-year-old daughter Matilda, former girlfriend Naomi Watts and 10 other close family and friends could mourn the loss of the 28-year-old in private.

Ledger's coffin was transported from Manhattan to the chapel for last night's service.

After the 30-minute service, the group moved on to the Beverly Hills Hotel for an intimate dinner in a private room.

I would not be surprised if Fred Phelps showed up at the funeral in Australia.