PA Passes Law Against Protests at Military Funerals and Memorial Services
Jim Kouri, CPP
July 02, 2006
With anti-war activists protesting the war in Iraq during funerals and memorial services held to honor soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, one state decided to do something about this disgraceful intrusion on grieving families and friends.
Pennsylvania's Governor Edward G. Rendell signed Senate Bill 1150 into law on Friday, saying people who are mourning the loss of a loved one should be allowed to do so without the intrusion of protesters.
"While citizens have the right to assemble and have their voices heard, doing so during any type of memorial service is inappropriate," said Governor Rendell.
"Many of us know how hard it can be to have to say goodbye to a loved one. Protesting at funerals does nothing more than hurt those who are already mourning a loss. They should be able to cherish those final moments in peace," he added
SB 1150 amends the Pennsylvania Criminal Code to include engaging in demonstration activities at the site of a commemorative service as a punishable offense. If a person engages in any of these activities within 500 feet of a cemetery, mortuary, church or other location being used for a commemorative service within one hour prior to, during, or one hour after the service, he commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
"Demonstration activities" include:
Picketing or similar conduct;
Oration, speech, or use of sound amplification equipment that is not part of a commemorative service;
Display of any placard, sign, banner, flag or similar item unless part of the commemorative service; or
Distribution of leaflets or printed materials that are not distributed as part of the commemorative service.
The bill also provides that an individual who is aggrieved by such an offense may bring a civil action to obtain appropriate relief. This may include general and special damages.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. John R. Pippy (R-Allegheny/Washington), passed the Senate 48-0 and the House, with amendments, 202-0. The Senate concurred 50-0. The bill is effective in 60 days.
Pennsylvania's Governor Edward G. Rendell signed Senate Bill 1150 into law on Friday, saying people who are mourning the loss of a loved one should be allowed to do so without the intrusion of protesters.
"While citizens have the right to assemble and have their voices heard, doing so during any type of memorial service is inappropriate," said Governor Rendell.
"Many of us know how hard it can be to have to say goodbye to a loved one. Protesting at funerals does nothing more than hurt those who are already mourning a loss. They should be able to cherish those final moments in peace," he added
SB 1150 amends the Pennsylvania Criminal Code to include engaging in demonstration activities at the site of a commemorative service as a punishable offense. If a person engages in any of these activities within 500 feet of a cemetery, mortuary, church or other location being used for a commemorative service within one hour prior to, during, or one hour after the service, he commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
"Demonstration activities" include:
Picketing or similar conduct;
Oration, speech, or use of sound amplification equipment that is not part of a commemorative service;
Display of any placard, sign, banner, flag or similar item unless part of the commemorative service; or
Distribution of leaflets or printed materials that are not distributed as part of the commemorative service.
The bill also provides that an individual who is aggrieved by such an offense may bring a civil action to obtain appropriate relief. This may include general and special damages.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. John R. Pippy (R-Allegheny/Washington), passed the Senate 48-0 and the House, with amendments, 202-0. The Senate concurred 50-0. The bill is effective in 60 days.
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