Illinois Governor Increases Restrictions On Military Funeral Protests

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Source: TPM

Anyone who wants to protest a military funeral in Illinois will have to do so from a distance of 300 feet, according to a new measure Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed on Sunday.

The legislation is an expansion of the "Let Them Rest in Peace Act," one of Quinn's "top initiatives", press secretary Annie Thompson told TPM. The extension expands on the law's previous 200-foot barrier.

"Every family has a fundamental right to conduct a funeral with reverence and dignity," Quinn said in a statement. "This law ensures that the families of those who have given their lives for our country can grieve without harassment. It is our duty to honor their sacrifice by ensuring they are remembered with the respect and solemnity."

As the Chicago Tribune points out, the legislation doesn't directly name the Westboro Baptist Church, the controversial group famous for their boisterous protests of military funerals. According a Westboro Baptist lawyer, the church won't be deterred.

Read more: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/illinois_governor_increases_restrictions_on_milita.php

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Quinn signs Let Them Rest in Peace Act
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-14/news/chi-quinn-signs-let-them-rest-in-peace-act-20110814_1_military-funerals-westboro-baptist-church-church-protesters

[madrchsod]

1. i think they won`t get that close to any military funeral in illinois

[CRK7376]

2. Thank you Governor

Although I'm not from Illinois, I agree with the Gov. Soldiers families do not need harassment from nutjobs like Westboro on the day they are laying their loved one to rest. Good call.