The Sedgwick County Commission is scheduled to consider a resolution Wednesday asking the state to create a buffer zone to protect families “from unwarranted harassment during funerals and memorial services.” It should approve it.
The Kansas Legislature this week is holding hearings on just such a proposal, sponsored by Sedgwick County Republican Sens. Carolyn McGinn and Jean Schodorf, that would impose a 300-foot buffer zone around funerals to protect grieving family members from the ghoulish protests of the Phelps “church” or any other group out to harass and disrupt services.
Unfortunately, it’s a needed law. The only concern here is finding the right balance between freedom of speech rights and what most people see as the legitimate right to privacy inherent in a funeral service.
I think this legislation, if carefully crafted, can withstand court scrutiny — and protect the rights (and safety) of both sides.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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15 Comments
It’s about damn time!!
Something tells me a few people who post here are going to be upset if they ban ALL protesting at funerals.
Talking with someone from the AG’s office this weekend, I learned the difference between this bill and existing legislation. If I understood him right, there are two major changes.
First, this new bill would give enforcement authority to the state AG..that is if local law enforcement doesn’t act, the AG can require them to do so.
Second, this new bill would make violations a felony instead of a simple misdemeanor as it is now.
In other words, some teeth being added to existing prohibitions on funeral protests.
Regardless, the Patriot Guard will continue to respond to family requests. It is more than shielding, we are a voluntary honor guard–in large numbers.
After reading up on the law, I gotta change my mind on this one. 300 feet is considered a permissible “time, place and manner” restriction across the board, and that’s completely fine with me. Pass it, and send it to the guv. Please.
Keeping people in cages about 2000 feet away in “free speech zones” is another story. . .
Ya mean like the RNC did two years ago in New York?
Not just that time. It’s standard procedure for Bush. And if you manage to get in with the “good” crowd, you’d better not wear anything that even implies criticism our Our Great Leader. The SS will haul you off.
I am not making this up.
Off-Topic from the funeral issue:
What is interesting is I have never read anywhere who the goons are who patrol and enforce opposition silence at the Bush functions where this happens. I think one is supposed to get the impression that they are just free-ranging volunteers. I am kind of doubting that, though.
Do any of you know of resources that identify these folks?
Steven, I don’t have an answer, but I do know of someone who spent some time with the D.C. police on Innauguration Day. She happened to have a button with an opposing view in the pocket of her coat that she had forgotten about. When it was found, she was taken away from the group she was attending the festivies with. I seem to remember this was Sen. Roberts’ group, by invitation only. She spent quite some time with the police, being questioned, but she did say that they were apologetic. Just doing their job.
Here we go….Steve asks for resources to substantiate a rumor of storm troopers.
No, sorry, I cannot prove they don’t exist…it is logically impossible to prove a negative. But, would be interesting to see any validation of this one.. other than an isolated incident.
Ray,I am asking for some validation as well.
Did not think you’d be against that — and I don’t really care if you are.
There should only be an exclusion to the protest ban at funerals for the deceased – period!
As for reverend phelps – no caps intentional – the worms crawl in …. the worms crawl out! phelps is a “dead feeding” worm – peroid!
Uncle Sam!
With a little luck, some one will “cap” the padre
“Here we go….Steve asks for resources to substantiate a rumor of storm troopers.
No, sorry, I cannot prove they don’t exist…it is logically impossible to prove a negative. But, would be interesting to see any validation of this one.. other than an isolated incident.”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/politics/3628007.html
http://forums.yellowworld.org/archive/index.php/t-19144.html
http://indianalawblog.com/archives/2005/03/ind_decisions_f_1.html
You need more, Ray? (Trust me, there IS more!)
Since no state in this union seems to be able to (Or have the guts.) put a stop to this hateful fool and his mindless ZOMBIES. I say it is high time for the people of any place he takes his hate to, to STAND TOGETHER AND RUN THEM OUT OF TOWN. TARRED AND FEATHERED IF NEEDS BE! This was done in the past with fools and troublemakers to great affect. Why not see if it will work again.
Lady Donna Marie RoyceMinneapolis, MN
Well folks, That BB brain phelps bunch say they are going to be here this Thursday the 23rd in Anoka, MN for the funereal of Cpl. Andrew Kemple. The Patriot Guard will be there and I will be there with the guard as well to protect the Kemple family and friends from these black hearted fools.
I read a news story on BB brain’s site and the reporter stated that the phelps bunch are begging for someone to give them a sound beating and one of these days, they are going to get it. The reporter also reminded the BB brains of a Bible passage, “You reap what you sow.” and I hope that this Thursday, THEY REAP A PILE OF PAIN!
After 8 years of tracking that hate cult on the web and getting soundly cursed with some of the most vulgar words I have had the misfortune to read or hear coming out of two supposedly christian females and one male, I AM FINALLY GOING TO FACE THEM AND TRY TO DROWNED OUT THEIR HATE FOR A WHILE!
Perhaps this will get this State to pass funereal protection and anti picketing laws like the other 13 States and our neighbor State of Wisconsin have. I HOPE IT DOES!
Wish me luck all!
Lady Donna Marie RoyceMinneapolis, MN