Measure to Protect Families of Fallen Soldiers Heads to Governor

After the U.S. Supreme Court decision earlier this spring to allow protesting at military funerals, State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) backed legislation that will respect the lives of fallen soldiers and give peace of mind to their families. The measure received final approval from the General Assembly over Memorial Day weekend and heads to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk for final approval.

“As we come together and honor our country’s fallen heroes this Memorial Day, families paying their last respects to loved ones can know they will have the peace and quiet they deserve during this difficult time,” Sente said. “This bill will keep disrespectful disturbances at funerals and memorial services in check, and will hopefully limit the hate filled protests that have happened at military funerals in recent years.”

Sente co-sponsored House Bill 180, which would expand the no-protest perimeter surrounding military funerals from 200 feet to 1,000 feet. The measure would also extend the time periods before and after military funerals when protesting is prohibited. The Supreme Court’s decision does not address the constitutionality of laws that create buffer zones between protestors and funeral services; this legislation will still be lawful under the Court’s decision.

The legislation is in response to the Westboro Baptist Church, who commonly protests at high-profile funerals usually targeting fallen soldiers. The measure was supported by the Illinois Sheriffs Association, Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Illinois, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Illinois State Police.

House Bill 180 unanimously passed the General Assembly and will take effect once the Governor signs it.

“No one is denying that there are times and places for lawful protests and demonstrations, but I believe most people will agree that a memorial service is not the time or place, especially if the service is for someone who has given their life in service of our country” Sente said. “My fellow legislators and I will continue to work to provide peace of mind for the families, military personnel, and provide the benefits promised to our returning soldiers.”

To learn more about programs for military families and services for wounded soldiers, visit www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov and sign up for e-mail alerts about new programs. Additionally, Sente urges soldiers returning from active duty to visit www.illinoiswarrior.com and www.callofdutyendowment.org to learn about programs available to them. Sente can be reached at her full-time constituent service office at (847) 478-9909.