Rep. Boccieri to introduce "Let Them Rest in Peace" Act

For immediate release: January 23, 2006

Contact: Rep Boccieri 330-518-5366 or Katie Jones 614-466-1464

Rep Boccieri to introduce “Let Them Rest in Peace Act”

(COLUMBUS)– State Representative John Boccieri (D-New Middletown) is introducing legislation aimed at inhibiting protests at funerals for Iraqi War Veterans.  Members of a Kansas-based group are demonstrating at veterans funerals saying the military deaths in Iraq are punishment from God, and they’re organizing to come to Ohio.

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas started protesting at military funerals last summer and have demonstrated at 80 funerals thus far believing America is doomed and God is killing soldiers while allowing such tragedies as Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.  The organized group believes America is being punished for its worship of dead soldiers and homosexuality.

“As a former Honor Guard Commander overseeing military funerals and having flown fallen soldiers out of Iraq, I just cannot imagine that such a group would disrespect the families in this way,” Rep Boccieri said. 

According to the official website of the Westboro Baptist Church (http://www.godhatesfags.com/), a message details their agenda to lawmakers on Legislation regarding counter-demonstrations at funerals of dead soldiers.   

The group says, “When the death of a soldier is turned into a public platform to lionize America, worship the dead and defy God, we will be there…hold up signs…America is Doomed, God Blew Up the Soldier, Thank God for Dead Soldiers, Thank God for IED’s.”

The group identifies soldiers and details the location of upcoming funerals and to date has participated in demonstrations in Florida, Illinois, and Michigan and is organizing to come to Ohio, according to their website.  Illinois Lt Governor Pat Quinn introduced legislation requiring demonstrations to set-back up to 300ft from all funeral services.

“I looked at the Illinois legislation and decided to introduce it in Ohio as a preemptive move,” Rep Boccieri said.  “My fear is that this hate-group may team-up with other fringe groups organizing in Ohio and begin protesting at military funerals.  These demonstrations are disruptive, inappropriate and appalling,” he added.

The bill, to be formally introduced on Tuesday, requires a 300ft buffer for demonstrators around all funerals which is enforceable by local law enforcement and carries penalties for non-compliance.  The buffer would start 30 minutes before the funeral and 30 minutes afterward. 

“I respect the free-speech of citizens of this country.  However, this is inappropriate behavior at a private ceremony where citizens wish to morn the passing of their loved one,” Rep Boccieri said.  “They can practice their free-speech, but I feel they need to be at a respectful distance because their free speech rights end where the family’s right to privacy begins.”

State Representative Boccieri is a C-130 Pilot in the Air Force Reserves and completed his fourth rotation in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom last September. 

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