Rensselaer County to set boundaries for protests at military funerals

TROY — The Rensselaer County Legislature will move to pass a local law limiting protests at funerals of military service personnel at its next monthly meeting.

The law comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that acknowledged the First Amendment right of the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at military funerals, but also allowed municipalities to make their own laws regarding the scope of such protests. Westboro, known for its staunch opposition to homosexuality, frequently stages anti-gay protests at funerals, particularly those of military personnel and celebrities.

Looking to avoid such protests locally, the legislature’s law would prohibit demonstrations within 750 feet of a funeral site or a procession, one hour before and one hour after the funeral. Other counties across the state are considering similar legislation, which was suggested by the New York State Association of Counties.

“This law would protect families from some of the unfortunate scenes at recent military funerals in recent years,” said Legislator Thomas Walsh, chairman of the legislature’s Veterans Committee. “We also believe this protects the rights of everyone involved along with protecting the mourners.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, is part of a bipartisan cohort introducing a similar bill on the national level, amending existing federal laws to prevent funeral disruptions. Called the Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans, or SERVE Act, the law would set a specific time and place for protests at military funerals, and outlines penalties for activities not protected under the First Amendment.

“This common sense legislation will ensure our heroes are buried with the honor and dignity they deserve,” Gillibrand said.

In addition to the upcoming protest law, the County Legislature passed a resolution at its April 12 meeting calling for increased penalties for those caught defacing veteran memorials and monuments throughout the county, several of which have sustained damage.

“Our nation owes a great debt to our veterans and their families and as a society, we need to protect the memorials to the outstanding service and sacrifice of these brave men and women,” said Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid.

The legislature’s next meeting is May 10.

TROY — The Rensselaer County Legislature will move to pass a local law limiting protests at funerals of military service personnel at its next monthly meeting.

The law comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that acknowledged the First Amendment right of the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at military funerals, but also allowed municipalities to make their own laws regarding the scope of such protests. Westboro, known for its staunch opposition to homosexuality, frequently stages anti-gay protests at funerals, particularly those of military personnel and celebrities.

Looking to avoid such protests locally, the legislature’s law would prohibit demonstrations within 750 feet of a funeral site or a procession, one hour before and one hour after the funeral. Other counties across the state are considering similar legislation, which was suggested by the New York State Association of Counties.

“This law would protect families from some of the unfortunate scenes at recent military funerals in recent years,” said Legislator Thomas Walsh, chairman of the legislature’s Veterans Committee. “We also believe this protects the rights of everyone involved along with protecting the mourners.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, is part of a bipartisan cohort introducing a similar bill on the national level, amending existing federal laws to prevent funeral disruptions. Called the Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans, or SERVE Act, the law would set a specific time and place for protests at military funerals, and outlines penalties for activities not protected under the First Amendment.

“This common sense legislation will ensure our heroes are buried with the honor and dignity they deserve,” Gillibrand said.

In addition to the upcoming protest law, the County Legislature passed a resolution at its April 12 meeting calling for increased penalties for those caught defacing veteran memorials and monuments throughout the county, several of which have sustained damage.

“Our nation owes a great debt to our veterans and their families and as a society, we need to protect the memorials to the outstanding service and sacrifice of these brave men and women,” said Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid.

The legislature’s next meeting is May 10.

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