Sen. Pippy, Sen. Regola and Rep. Mann Applaud Passage of Funeral Protest Limits
Bill to limit pickets and abusive chants at funerals heads to governor.

Harrisburg -- State Sen. John Pippy, R-Allegheny, Sen. Bob Regola, R-Westmoreland, and state Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, applauded today's final passage of legislation they spearheaded to limit the scope of protests at funerals and memorial services.

Senate Bill 1150 received final Senate approval today and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

The lawmakers took action in response to incidents of pickets and abusive chants targeting Pennsylvania military funerals. The protesters have been targeting grieving family members with vulgar language and other harassments to protest social and political issues.

Senators Pippy and Regola sponsored Senate Bill 1150, while Representative Mann and Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-60) led the effort in the House of Representatives. Representative Mann sponsored House Bill 2496, legislation similar to Senate Bill 1150.

"The bill is very limited in its scope. We looked at legislation in states around the country to strike the proper balance between the right to protest and the right to mourn in peace," said Pippy. "A funeral is certainly a place where citizens have a legitimate expectation of privacy. I appreciate Senator Regola's work in helping me get this passed in the Senate, and Representative Mann's and Representative Pyle's efforts to move it through the House. The sooner we enact this law, the sooner we can end this harassment."

"This was a bipartisan effort to support our military families, and all families in Pennsylvania, during whatever kind of memorial service or manner they choose to lay their loved ones to rest. These families have a right to say their final goodbyes without hearing the taunts of protesters who are using someone else's grief to push their political agenda," Mann said.

The legislation requires 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.

"It's sadly ironic that these people abuse their right to free speech by disrupting the memorial services for those who protect all of the other rights that we enjoy as Americans," said Regola. "There is no place for that type of disrespectful behavior. It is intolerable and I am pleased that the General Assembly worked in a timely manner to put this legislation on the Governor's desk. I applaud Senator Pippy and Representative Mann for their leadership in this effort. The fact that this bill moved as quickly as possible shows the importance of this issue and I believe reflects the views of the people of the Commonwealth."

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.

On Memorial Day, President Bush signed federal legislation that would limit protests at memorial services in national cemeteries.

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CONTACTS:
Cheryl Saylor (Sen. Pippy) 717-787-5839
Tom Hower (Sen. Regola) 724-600-7002
Victoria L. Stanish (Rep. Mann) 717-787-7895

Sen. Pippy, Sen. Regola and Rep. Mann Applaud Passage of Funeral Protest Limits Bill to limit pickets and abusive chants at funerals heads to governor.

Sen. Pippy, Sen. Regola and Rep. Mann Applaud Passage of Funeral Protest Limits
Bill to limit pickets and abusive chants at funerals heads to governor.