Law would curb funeral protests (Westboro Baptist Church)

[IndianaGreen]

October 24, 2005

Law would curb funeral protests

A state senator angered over a recent protest at an Indiana soldier's funeral wants to make disorderly conduct a felony offense if it occurs at military funerals.

Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, said he would propose legislation in response to an anti-gay group's protest at the Aug. 28 funeral for Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Doyle, an Indianapolis native killed in Iraq.

Six members of the Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church dragged U.S. flags on the ground and shouted insults at Doyle's surviving family members outside a mortuary in Martinsville, about 30 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

"No family should have to go through this at a funeral," Steele said.

The Rev. Fred Phelps, the church's founder, contends American soldiers are being killed in Iraq as vengeance from God for protecting a country that harbors gays. The church, which is not affiliated with a larger denomination, is made up mostly of Phelps' children, grandchildren and in-laws.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051024/NEWS01/510240449

[Jokerman]

1. Only military funerals?

As much as I despise Phelps and his crew I have mixed feelings about restricting the right to protest. I really don't like the proposed Indiana law that would protect military funerals but not others. Sounds like they think it's OK to protest at a gay's funeral, as long as they weren't in the military. At least Kansas is talking about protecting all funerals.

[AwakeAtLast]

2. I would have to agree with you.

No family anywhere in this country should have to go through that. Funerals are supposed to honor the dead, so let's honor them! If the people of this nation have no respect for the dead, how are we supposed to have respect for the living?

[Philo]

3. Hrm.

What a bizarre thing to have Phelps on the side of free speech. I suppose, like the Klan, groups like his would die if not regularly fed their confrontation and conflict.

As to the law... I don't know. I could actually see a judge upholding it--a time, place, and manner restriction of sorts. The governmental interest would be difficult to articulate, but I could see a compelling public interest both in solemn funerals and in demonstrating.

[newyawker99]

4. Hi Philo!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Philo]

5. Hiya

Thanks for the welcome. :-)