In Oregon, the state legislature is considering legislation that is a direct result of the Synder v. Phelps Supreme Court decision. The proposed law would prohibit picketing at funerals.
But the law has its limits. The law would ban picketing within 300 feet of funerals, burials, and memorial services. Is 300 feet really enough to serve the purpose they are intending it to serve? I can think of a lot of ways protesters/picketers could get their message across from 301 feet away.
I think that 300 feet is ridiculous. I completely agree with your 301 ft. comment. I believe idea that people should be able to grieve the loss of a loved one is significant and labeling a specific distance that people may stand away is not solving the problem to ensure that people will have this right protected.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, the people picketing might have a first amendment right to protest this, I beleive the interest of the griving party is greater. Picketers are generally not a quiet group and will shout statements and have large enough signes which can get their message across.