Picketing And Protests At Funerals

The death of a loved one is one of life's most tragic events. More than 46 states across the country have enacted laws protecting families at funerals during their time of grief. These laws establish standards of conduct which respect the family's need for respect and privacy during this difficult time while also allowing others to express their viewpoints.

• HB 234 brings Alaska in line with the majority of states and adopts the guidelines which govern conduct during a funeral. HB 234 is modeled after the guidelines used by our national cemeteries and requires that:


• Picketing that disrupts a funeral, will not take place within 150 feet of the boundary of the cemetery, church, or other facility where the funeral services are occurring, and
  Disruptive picketing not take place one hour before or one hour after the service.

This bill asks anyone within the area of a funeral service to conduct themselves in a respectful manner for the duration of the service. HB 234 looks out for the interests of the grieving families while preserving the rights of others to voice their opinions.

I strongly urge your support of HB 234.