Freedom of speech is one of the cherished rights bestowed upon Americans. But there’s always somebody who is willing to push the envelope beyond what is considered good sense. Such is the case of a Kansas church group who has been protesting at military funerals across the country. This group claims that the military deaths are indicative of God’s anger at U.S. tolerance of homosexuals.
The “Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act” has passed both the US House and Senate and would prohibit protests within 300 feet of the entrance of a federal cemetery and within 150 feet of a road into the cemetery from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. Those violating the act would face up to a $100,000 fine and up to a year in prison.
A number of states are considering similar laws to cover non-federal cemetaries. Once such law has already passed in Kentucky; however, the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against parts of it, claiming that it goes too far in restricting free speech.
Under the law, which Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed in March, protesters within 300 feet of any funeral services would be guilty of first-degree disorderly conduct, punishable by up to a year in jail. The law also prevents protesters from using bullhorns.
I don’t really want to see anybody’s rights restricted. But common decency has got to play a part in here. I’d be mighty upset to be attending the funeral of a loved one and have somebody with a bull horn yelling out stuff. There is a reason cars pull to the side for a funeral procession: it’s called respect. And these protestors are using our access to free speech to disrespect the dead and their families. To me, that is going too far.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you do.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
i am entirely against the acts of the westboro baptist church of topeka kansas, and find the federal measure to be a good model for states to adopt.
the federal act provides adequate but measured protection, designating time (within an hour) and place (around a cemetary). the other act goes to far in including “any funeral services.” it seems a term that could be broadly used or abused.