Though a state law was recently passed, one Baltimore County lawmaker is proposing a more stringent ban on protests at funerals in response to an anti-gay church?s recent pickets at military burials.
Despite objections that the bill could violate First Amendment rights, state legislators voted almost unanimously last month to ban picketing that could disrupt the peace at funerals. But Council Member Vincent Gardina, D-District 5, said he wants to prohibit picketing of any kind at funerals.
Both the state and county bills bar picketing within 100 yards of a funeral or burial. Gardina?s extends the ban from one hour prior to a service to two hours afterward and applies to any protests rather than ones targeted at funeral-goers.
“If they are protesting the use of black limousines over white limousines, they still have to be 100 yards away,” Gardina said. “The goal is to make it less offensive to those trying to mourn.”
Maryland is among almost 30 states considering legislation banning pickets at funerals, according to Shirley Phelps-Roper, attorney for the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., and a member of the church. The organization has drawn international attention for displaying controversial signs at military funerals.
Church members believe God is killing soldiers for defending a country that supports homosexuality. Phelps-Roper said members will abide by laws as they are passed, but the church plans to challenge them after the legislative session concludes.
“The Supreme Court has said, ?If you don?t like a sight, you have a solution: Avert your big crybaby eyes,? ”
she said.
Gardina?s bill was discussed at the council meeting April 11, where other council members voiced their support. The bill will be voted on later this month.
