Senate Clears Bill Banning Protests at Funerals

The Senate has passed a bill we've been reporting on for the last couple of months.

The measure (HR 5037), passed May 9 in the House by 408-3, was sent to President Bush by voice vote. It could, however, face constitutional challenges down the road.

Sponsored by Reps. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, the bill was prompted by demonstrations at military funerals around the country by members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., headed by the Rev. Fred Phelps. Phelps claims that God is punishing America for its tolerance of homosexuals. At military funerals, Phelps and his supporters have reportedly displayed signs such as “Thank God for IEDs,” or improvised explosive devices, the roadside bombs responsible for a large proportion of U.S. casualties in the Iraq War.

The bill cleared by the Senate would prohibit protests at the nation’s veterans’ cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery unless approved by the cemetery officials. It would set penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $100,000 for those who violate its restrictions.

The measure would apply to demonstrations held within 500 feet of a memorial service or funeral from one hour before the service to one hour after, and that include making noise or diversions intended to disturb the service.