Nixon signs bill protecting soldiers' families at funerals

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon today signed House Bill 1372 to protect the families of fallen Missouri soldiers at funeral services. The bill, which was passed unanimously by both the Missouri House and Senate, is patterned after a local Missouri city ordinance that was upheld by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

House Bill 1372 specifies where a person is prohibited from protesting, and specifically defines the prohibited protest activities. Restrictions in this area were prompted by protests at funerals of Missouri soldiers by members of the Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka, Kan.

“This law continues our efforts to protect the rights of families grieving at a funeral to not experience hate-filled intrusions,”Gov. Nixon said. “The very concept of these protests is repulsive to the vast majority of Missourians.”