monty wrote on Apr 2nd, 2010 at 2:50pm:That's what happens when notions of free speech are elevated above decency - we get 'constitutional protection' for people to harass others while they are trying to bury a loved one.
I personally think we need a law making it illegal to disrupt funerals.
I don't care if the funeral is for a hero or vicious criminal ... when the person has died, let the family grieve in peace. If people want to exercise their free speech and speak poorly of the dead person (fairly or not), let them do it across town or online, but not at or near a funeral.
Texas has that covered [see below].
It sure would be nice if all other states [other than the states that have already done so] enacted a law to cover funerals as Texas has.
In fact, citizens need to insist that it happens.PENAL CODE
TITLE 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY
CHAPTER 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES
Sec. 42.055. FUNERAL SERVICE DISRUPTIONS. (a) In this section:
(1) "Facility" means a building at which any portion of a funeral service takes place, including a funeral parlor, mortuary, private home, or established place of worship.
(2) "Funeral service" means a ceremony, procession, or memorial service, including a wake or viewing, held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead.
(3) "Picketing" means:
(A) standing, sitting, or repeated walking, riding, driving, or other similar action by a person displaying or carrying a banner, placard, or sign;
(B) engaging in loud singing, chanting, whistling, or yelling, with or without noise amplification through a device such as a bullhorn or microphone; or
(C) blocking access to a facility or cemetery being used for a funeral service.
(b) A person commits an offense if, during the period beginning one hour before the service begins and ending one hour after the service is completed, the person engages in picketing within 1,000 feet of a facility or cemetery being used for a funeral service.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 2, Sec. 1, eff. May 19, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 256, Sec. 1, eff. June 4, 2007.
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