thedrifter
01-25-06, 03:28 PM
Jan 25, 12:51 PM EST
Bill would stop protests at funerals
By TODD RICHMOND
Associated Press Writer
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Protesters who gather outside a funeral could face jail time and fines under a bill a bipartisan group of state lawmakers proposed Wednesday.
The measure is designed to stop members of a Kansas-based church who have protested outside the funerals and visitations of about 80 soldiers nationwide, including three in Wisconsin, the legislators said. The church, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, believes God is killing American soldiers because the United States accepts homosexuality.
The bill would prohibit protests within 500 feet of a funeral, wake, internment or memorial service for an hour before and after the ceremony.
Protesters who violate the bill's conditions would face a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine. A second violation would be a felony offense, punishable by up to 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Two of the bill's supporters in the Senate, Sen. Ron Brown, R-Eau Claire, chairman of the Senate veterans committee, and Sen. Russ Decker, D-Schofield, said they think the measure balances mourners' right to privacy with the right to free speech.
"It's unfortunate but necessary we take these steps," Decker said.
Melanie Fonder, a spokeswoman for Gov. Jim Doyle, said Doyle's office helped draft the measure. Doyle has attended many military funerals as commander in chief of the Wisconsin National Guard, and "these families deserve a quiet and respectful space to grieve and pay their final respects," she said.
The 75-member Westboro Baptist Church is made up of mostly Phelp's extended family. Shirley Phelps-Roper, a member of the church, called the bill unpatriotic, un-American and unconstitutional.
"If the state of Wisconsin tries to interfere in our capacity to cause America to know her abominations and to put the cup of the fury and the wrath of God to your lips and make you drink it, then we'll see," Phelps-Roper said.
The measure needs approval from the Legislature and the governor to become law.
On the Net:
Wisconsin Legislature: www.legis.state.wi.us
Ellie
Bill would stop protests at funerals
By TODD RICHMOND
Associated Press Writer
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Protesters who gather outside a funeral could face jail time and fines under a bill a bipartisan group of state lawmakers proposed Wednesday.
The measure is designed to stop members of a Kansas-based church who have protested outside the funerals and visitations of about 80 soldiers nationwide, including three in Wisconsin, the legislators said. The church, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, believes God is killing American soldiers because the United States accepts homosexuality.
The bill would prohibit protests within 500 feet of a funeral, wake, internment or memorial service for an hour before and after the ceremony.
Protesters who violate the bill's conditions would face a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine. A second violation would be a felony offense, punishable by up to 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Two of the bill's supporters in the Senate, Sen. Ron Brown, R-Eau Claire, chairman of the Senate veterans committee, and Sen. Russ Decker, D-Schofield, said they think the measure balances mourners' right to privacy with the right to free speech.
"It's unfortunate but necessary we take these steps," Decker said.
Melanie Fonder, a spokeswoman for Gov. Jim Doyle, said Doyle's office helped draft the measure. Doyle has attended many military funerals as commander in chief of the Wisconsin National Guard, and "these families deserve a quiet and respectful space to grieve and pay their final respects," she said.
The 75-member Westboro Baptist Church is made up of mostly Phelp's extended family. Shirley Phelps-Roper, a member of the church, called the bill unpatriotic, un-American and unconstitutional.
"If the state of Wisconsin tries to interfere in our capacity to cause America to know her abominations and to put the cup of the fury and the wrath of God to your lips and make you drink it, then we'll see," Phelps-Roper said.
The measure needs approval from the Legislature and the governor to become law.
On the Net:
Wisconsin Legislature: www.legis.state.wi.us
Ellie