Health & Fitness
Assembly Advances Bill to Strengthen ‘Let Them Rest in Peace' Law
Bill would increase the prohibited distance for protesters at military funerals.
May 24, 2011
Springfield–A measure co-sponsored by State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) to toughen the state’s existing law governing loud and inflammatory protests at military funeral services was advanced by Illinois lawmakers on May 23.
Dillard explained that House Bill 180 strengthens Illinois’ “Let Them Rest in Peace Act,” a 2006 law introduced in response to incidents of disruptive and antagonistic picketing that has taken place at military funerals across the country. House Bill 180 increases the prohibited distance for funeral protests from the current 200 feet from the funeral site, to 300 feet.
“It’s disgusting that any organization would use a funeral as a soapbox, particular the memorial services of American soldiers who have been killed in the line of duty,” Dillard said. “The families of our veterans should be able to grieve undisturbed. They should not be exploited by the disrespectful rantings of a group seeking to advance its own hate-filled, political agenda.”
The “Let Them Rest in Peace Act” currently prohibits loud and inflammatory protests within 200 feet of all Illinois funeral services, beginning 30 minutes before a funeral begins, and extending until 30 minutes after the funeral concludes.
Having been approved by lawmakers, House Bill 180 will now advance to Gov. Pat Quinn for consideration.
