Finally, something to make me proud of Alabama's government.

[katzmeow726]

Lawmakers Vote to Keep Protests Away From Funerals

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Senate has given final approval to a bill that will prohibit protestors from getting within 1,000 feet of funerals for fallen soldiers or other victims.

The Senate voted 33-0 Wednesday for the bill by Republican Rep. DuWayne Bridges of Valley, a former U.S. Marine and a Vietnam veteran. It now goes to Gov. Robert Bentley for his review.

The bill calls for a violator to be sentenced to up to a year in jail for the first offense.

Bridges said he proposed the law because members of a Kansas church have protested at funerals for soldiers and for victims of highly publicized accidents and crimes.

House Speaker Mike Hubbard said the bill protects the free speech rights of protestors while allowing families of victims their privacy.

[stormcris]

I can't say I am surprised that they would do that, but it is great they did.

[katzmeow726]

It's about time...I'd love to see a westboro member try to violate it.  

I really would. 

Quoting stormcris:

I can't say I am surprised that they would do that, but it is great they did.

[Donna6503]

Good for Alabama.

[jehosoba84]

 Great news!

[NWP]

Do you think folks are starting to see how ridiculous all this far right social conservative extremist crap is?

[katzmeow726]

I would...only I could see our governor not going for this.  

Quoting NWP:

Do you think folks are starting to see how ridiculous all this far right social conservative extremist crap is?

[GertieK]

Do not group conservatives in with those kind of crazy idiots.  Most conservatives are extremely patriotic and would never get caught anywhere close to being a part of something like that.  Westboro has 40 - 50 members.... yet somehow they have been turned into the example for all conservative.

[LauraKW]

Not sure how the logical part of me feels about restricting locations for protestors (that don't involve possible Presidential assasination plots). The common sense part of me thinks this is great.

[rfurlongg]

Good.

Have always wondered what the wbb were hoping to accomplish...

[katzmeow726]

I am not grouping them. Our governor, however is on the extreme right. He may b more classy that wbc, but he has made clear that his a.bigot.

I have no issue with conservatives and was not, by any means, grouping them with westboro

Quoting GertieK:

Do not group conservatives in with those kind of crazy idiots.  Most conservatives are extremely patriotic and would never get caught anywhere close to being a part of something like that.  Westboro has 40 - 50 members.... yet somehow they have been turned into the example for all conservative.