![]() |
Brought to you by Miller Funeral Home and Crematory
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Governor Robert Bentley Wednesday held a ceremonial signing of House Bill 238, legislation that sets a 1000 feet perimeter (two blocks), to prevent any "disruption" of a funeral in Alabama. The bill, sponsored by Rep. DuWayne Bridges (R-Valley), passed by unanimous votes in both the House and Senate during the pasted legislative session. "In Alabama, we honor our fallen heroes and comfort the families who lose loved ones in such tragic circumstances," Rep. Bridges said. "No grieving family should have to endure such disrespect, and I'm proud Alabama now has a law that will ensure families can mourn in peace. Rep. Bridges said the law is needed because of members of the group calling itself the "Westboro Baptist Church" have disrupted several funerals in Alabama including those of military personnel.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard thanked Representative Bridges for sponsoring the bill, saying he never knew such a group even existed until its members brazenly protested the funeral of his constituent, Auburn University student Lauren Burk. "It's a shame a law like this is even necessary," Speaker Hubbard said. "After seeing these people try to terrorize the family and friends of Lauren Burk, I knew that behavior had no place in Alabama." Speaker Hubbard added that "Everyone has the right to free speech in this country, but families also have the right to grieve without such hateful disruptions." While a law prohibiting demonstrations altogether would be unconstitutional under the First Amendment, setting a respectable distance meets constitutional muster, Representative Bridges said.
It was not immediately known if any legal challenges will be brought against the law.
Dental Health is Important for Children's 'Baby Teeth'
Lamb Chops and Red Wine: A Perfect Easter Pairing
Alabama Department of Public Health issues 2016 Fish Consumption
Aquarium animals and plants should never be released in the wild
Keywords: Alabama, funeral protests, Governor Robert Bentley, House Bill 238,
Visit Local News
There currently are no approved comments for this blog article. To join the discussion click here.