Gov. Perry Signs Bill Banning Protests at Military Funerals

Gov. Perry Signs Bill Banning Protests at Military Funerals

Gov. Rick Perry today signed House Bill 97, which bans protests or other disruptive behavior at funeral and burial services for Texas military men and women.

"This bill protects the sanctity and solemnity of services as fallen Texas heroes are laid to rest, and today I sign it with the deepest gratitude to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Perry said. "There is a time and place for protests, but it is not at funerals and burials for U.S. soldiers who died to protect the freedoms we hold so dear."

Rep. Brian McCall of Plano authored the legislation in the House and Senator Robert Duncan of Lubbock sponsored its Senate companion. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers. The legislation does not prohibit patriotic displays.

"This bill takes immediate effect, so not another day goes by that someone could callously disrupt the services of a fallen soldier," Perry said.

http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/pressreleases/PressRelease.2006-05-19.2652