Though many
believe the law will be struck down, President Bush on
Monday signed a measure that bans protests at the
military funerals of fallen soldiers in an effort to
prevent radical homophobe Fred Phelps from further
upsetting families of service members.
The Respect for
America's Fallen Heroes Act will for the time being
prevent Phelps and his Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro
Baptist Church from waving hateful signs and screaming
obscenities during military funerals. Phelps and his
church, made up mostly of his family members, believe God
is allowing soldiers to die because of America's permissive
attitudes toward gays and lesbians.
The act, which
previously sailed through both houses of Congress, bans
protests within 300 feet of the entrance of a national
cemetery and within 150 feet of a road into the
cemetery. Violators would face up to a $100,000 fine
and up to a year in prison.
Phelps has vowed
to challenge the ban in court, and some constitutional
scholars say he is likely to succeed.
Nontheless,
Bush's move, taking place during the Memorial Day
holiday, was heralded by military and gay leaders.
"This law gives
the families of America's fallen heroes the dignity
and respect they deserve," said Log Cabin Republicans
president Patrick Guerriero. (The Advocate)
