Robbins Co-Sponsors Legislation Limiting Protests During Funerals

Reaction to pickets and abusive chants at Pennsylvania military funerals.

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) is co-sponsoring legislation in response to incidents of pickets and abusive chants targeting Pennsylvania military funerals.

Robbins said Senate Bill 1150 was drafted following recent news reports of protestors at military funerals in Pennsylvania and around the country. The pickets target grieving family members with vulgar language to protest social, not military, issues.

The bill 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. Violators would be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor.

"As a military veteran, I am appalled at the thought of grieving families having to listen to vulgar, political diatribes while trying to lay a loved one to rest," said Robbins. "This bill protects the free speech rights of the protesters, no matter how detestable they are. But, it provides a short period of peace for the families of fallen heroes."

The bill applies to any funeral, not just military. Wisconsin, Indiana and South Dakota have recently enacted laws limiting protests at funerals, and at least 12 other states are considering similar legislation.

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

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322