Senator White Backs Bill Limiting Protests at Funerals

Reaction to pickets and abusive chants at Pennsylvania military funerals

Reacting to a recent spate of protests at funerals for service members killed in action, the General Assembly is poised to act on a bill to limit the scope of protests at funerals and memorial services, according to Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Two bills, Senate Bill 1150 and House Bill 2496, are being introduced in response to incidents of picketing and abusive chanting targeting Pennsylvania military funerals, according to Senator White. The Westboro Baptist Church, a Topeka, Kansas-based congregation, has picketed military services in Pennsylvania and around the country.

The bills would require protesters to remain 500 feet from any funeral, memorial service or memorial procession beginning one hour before, and ending one hour after, the event. First-time violators would be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor; subsequent violations would result in a second-degree misdemeanor charge.

"It is a sad state of affairs when legislation is necessary to ensure common decency," said Senator White. "The families of fallen service members suffer enough pain and anguish without having to endure the antics of those unscrupulous individuals who would tarnish a solemn occasion to promote themselves and their opinions."

Senator White was among a bipartisan group of lawmakers from both chambers who unveiled the legislation during a Tuesday press conference in the State Capitol.

National Commander of the American Legion, Thomas Bock, and Pennsylvania State Commander James Hales, Jr. were on hand at the Capitol news conference to show their support for the legislation, along with Ken Marx of the veterans' group PA Rolling Thunder. "We're here to give our support to the servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives during the course of their duties, and to the families they have left behind," Marx said.

Along with the American Legion, the legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council.

Wisconsin, Indiana and South Dakota have recently enacted laws limiting protests at funerals, and at least 12 other states are considering similar legislation.

Statement of Senator Don White
Senate Bill 1150/House Bill 2496

I want to start out by commending my colleagues, Senator Pippy and Representative Mann for introducing these bills. As Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this measure enacted as quickly as possible.

However, I must say that it is a sad state of affairs when legislation is necessary to ensure common decency. The families of fallen service members suffer enough pain and anguish without having to endure the antics of those unscrupulous individuals who would tarnish a solemn occasion to promote themselves and their opinions.

There is a time and a place for everything.

But it is truly reprehensible that a few clowns are actually trying to turn these solemn, dignified memorial services into some kind of a circus. I agree with my colleagues, that behavior is unacceptable and it is time we send the clowns packing.

In this day and age, many beliefs and principles have been distilled down to 30-second sound bytes or bumper stickers. Unfortunately, that distilling process most often leaves much to be desired. But, there's always an exception and in this case I'm referring to a bumper sticker that simply reads: If you love freedom, thank a Vet.

We cannot ever repay those who die in defense of our country. But we can honor their memory and pay tribute to their unfailing courage by ensuring that their final services are not sullied by the antics of a few knuckleheads.

Thank you.