Big Government. Small Brains. Dumb Laws.

Law Summary

One may not picket a funeral.

Full text of the Law

11.28.064 Funeral Picketing

1. Definitions

a. As used in this section, "funeral" means the ceremonies, processions and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead, as well as memorial services held in connection with the death of any person.

b. As used in this section, "picketing" means protest activities engaged in by a person or persons stationed before or about a cemetery, mortuary, church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or other place for religious observances, or other places for funeral services, during the period from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after any funeral.

2. It is unlawful for any person to engage in picketing during the period from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes
after any funeral at any cemetery, mortuary, church,
mosque, synagogue, temple, or other place for religious
observances, or other places for funeral services.

3. Each day on which a violation of this section occurs shall constitute a seperate offense.

(History: Ord. POC-1792 '1, 93)

Why does this law exist?

An individual by the name of Fred Phelps is known to frequent the funerals in this area of homosexual individuals. He protests what an abomination homosexuality is, and this law is meant to protect the emotions of grieving families from individuals and groups such as Phelps.