Senate Approves 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 Senate today approved Senate Bill 1150, a bill that would 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.

SB 1150 was 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.

"We can not enact this law soon enough as we have seen this group display their disrespectful behavior here in Indiana at the funeral of Sgt. 1st Class Randy McCaulley of Marion Center," Senator White said. "I was there to pay my respects to Sergeant McCaulley and I saw their contemptible behavior. I have the deepest gratitude for the 130 Patriot Guard Riders who stood guard between those individuals and the mourners. 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."

SB 1150 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, 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," said Senator White. "I agree with my colleagues, that behavior is unacceptable and it is time we send the clowns packing."

The legislation is supported by the American Legion, 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.