|
Senate Approves Pippy Bill to Protect Rights of Grieving Military
Families
HARRISBURG -- Legislation
sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) and Sen. Bob Regola (R-39) to limit the
scope of protests at funerals and memorial services has been approved by the
state Senate.
Senator Pippy
and colleagues took action following news reports of protestors at military
funerals in Pennsylvania and around the country. The pickets target grieving
family members with vulgar language and other harassment to protest social and
political issues.
"At a time
when compassion is called for, some protesters offer only hatred and bile. It's
all the worse because the family is trying to grieve over the loss of someone
who dedicated his or her life to protecting the rights of all citizens," said
Senator Pippy. "This bill was carefully written to be limited in scope. It is
founded on the principle that a funeral is certainly a place where citizens have
a legitimate expectation of privacy."
Senate Bill
1150 is supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers from both chambers of the
General Assembly. A similar version was introduced by Rep. Jennifer Mann
(D-132) in the House of Representatives.
"I am very
pleased that the Senate quickly moved this bill to the House," Senator Regola
said. "The message we are sending is crystal clear. It is truly reprehensible
that a few individuals would act to turn solemn, dignified memorial services
into a publicity stunt. That behavior is unacceptable and those actions will
not be tolerated."
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. Violators would be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor.
Senator Don
White (R-41), who chairs the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs and Emergency
Preparedness Committee, said the measure would crack down on irresponsible
behavior at memorial services.
"It is a sad
state of affairs when legislation is necessary to ensure common decency, but it
is truly reprehensible that a few protestors 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 them packing."
Wisconsin, Indiana and South Dakota have recently
enacted laws limiting protests at funerals, and at least 12 other states are
considering similar legislation. The legislation is supported by the American
Legion, the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania War
Veterans Council and other organizations.
Senate Bill
1150 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
 
Pippy
Robbins
Regola
Sen. John Pippy (R-37), prime sponsor of Senate Bill
1150, speaks on the Senate floor prior to passage of his measure, which
would
limit the
scope of protests at funerals and memorial services.
|
