By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers on Tuesday sent legislation to the governor that would bar protests near funerals.
The proposal stems from a protest by members of a Kansas church in July at the funeral of a Kansas City area soldier killed in Iraq.
State Senator Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph) says he thinks outlawing such protests is constitutional. He notes protests at Arlington National Cemetary, for example, are illegal.
A second measure is also being considered in Jefferson City to specifically prohibit the protests within 300 feet of a funeral. The measure on the governor's desk doesn't offer a distance limit.
The more specific legislation would carry different penalties. Rep. Martin Rucker (D-St. Joseph) says the penalty for protesting closer than 300 feet would be more severe because protesters would be closer to family members.