On April 25, the Illinois House passed a measure intended to end protests near funerals of soldiers.
The Let Them Rest in Peace Act will add Illinois to a growing list of states that have already passed or are contemplating similar measures. Illinois House members voted for the act by a vote of 101-0.
The measure is meant to quell the activities of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. The church members—led by the virulently anti-gay Rev. Fred Phelps—have protested military funerals across the nation. In doing so, the congregation contends that the military and the United States are pro-gay.
According to the bill, protesters would be required to stay at least 200 feet from a funeral home or cemetery from a half hour before to a half hour after the event. Also, they would be banned from making noise loud enough to disturb services or stop people from attending. Violating the ban is a disorderly conduct charge, a class C misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $1,500 and 30 days in jail. A first offense would be a misdemeanor, a second a felony.
The act now awaits Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s signature. He has indicated that he plans to sign it.