Arizona lawmakers plan to block protesters within 300 feet of funerals
Tucson, Arizona (CNN) -- The Arizona Legislature is expected to pass legislation Tuesday that will bar protesters at funerals from getting within 300 feet of services, a spokesman for the state House said.
The action, according to House spokesman Daniel Scarpinato, is in direct response to a controversial church's announcement that it will picket the funeral of Christina Green, the 9-year-old who was among six people killed during Saturday's attempted assassination of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona.
Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, has made its name by staging protests at funerals of people who died of AIDS, gay people, soldiers and even Coretta Scott King.
Tucson just isn't that kind of town, says Christin Gilmer, 26, referring to the actions of the church.
"For something like this to happen in Tucson was a really big shock to us all," she said. "Our nightmare happened when we saw Westboro Baptist Church was going to picket the funerals
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From IMOONLY:
ReplyDeleteWell, God certianly has His hands full with the nutcases these days. I do not agree with blocking the protest and sure wish these people would not disrupt the funeral of this little girl. Westboro has made a reputation for themselves as just rotton to the core nutjobs so no one will take them seriously. However, I wouldn't be surprised if someone took shots at them as well.
RIP angel -- was a sad thing that happened.
Imoonly, always good to see you.
ReplyDeleteHard not to take the nutjobs seriously when they protesting the funerals of murdered children..
Will agree about his having his hands full.
Freedom of assembly, religion, and speech do not include terrorizing a community in mourning nor interfering with families laying their loved ones to rest. Doing so is disturbing the peace and a failure of respect.
ReplyDeleteThis so-called church should be shunned. Bring on the angels from coast-to-coast. We don't want their kind at any funeral anywhere.
Grumpy, post a picture of an angel to show solidarity with families burying their dead with dignity and privacy they deserve.
Nice thought DFTTS.
ReplyDeleteDFTTS, I took that picture from the groups website.
ReplyDeleteUsing God's name to spread despair. How Christian.
ReplyDeleteGrumpy - phelps and his evil klan have decided NOT to picket.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.twincities.com/national/ci_17076250?source=rss&nclick_check=1