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Governor Jan Brewer signed into law a bill that was expedited through the House and Senate to prevent members of a fundamentalist church from disrupting the funerals of victims from the January 8 shooting spree in Tucson.
Brewer called the measure “a truly bipartisan effort to assure that grieving families and friends will be free from harassment and intimidation at the funerals of their loved ones.”
The law makes it a crime (Class 1 misdemeanor) to picket or protest within
300 feet of any location where a funeral or burial service is taking
place. It also takes effect immediately since it was passed with an
emergency clause.
Lawmakers jumped into action after learning that members of the Westboro
Baptist Church, a fundamentalist church from Topeka, Kansas, planned to
protest the funeral of the 9-year-old girl murdered
during Saturday’s shooting rampage in Tucson.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was critically wounded in that attack after the suspect, Jared Loughner, allegedly shot at her and others in the crowd. People had gathered for a meet-and-greet with the Congresswoman. Six died and 19 others were injured that morning.
Westboro Baptist Church leaders told New Times they also plan to protest the funeral
of Federal Judge John Roll and picket the very corner at which the
massacre took place.
“Such despicable acts of emotional terrorism will not be tolerated in the State of Arizona,” Brewer said in a statement.
“This legislation will assure that the victims of Saturday’s tragic
shooting in Tucson will be laid to rest in peace with the full dignity
and respect that they deserve.”
Brewer praised Arizona lawmaker for “coming together in a bipartisan manner” on the first full day of the legislative session.”
“This represents a remarkable spirit of unity and togetherness following Saturday’s tragedy,” she said.
Shame that it takes such a horrific act of violence to create unity among state leaders.
