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Bonds sought for protests at funerals

Published: March 12, 2011 9:22 PM
By APRIL WARREN. Special to Newsday

State Sen. Lee M. Zeldin of Shirley announces

Photo credit: John Dunn | State Sen. Lee M. Zeldin of Shirley announces the creation of the "Specialist Thomas Wilwerth Military Dignity Act," Saturday, during a news conference at William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach. The legislation prohibits demonstrations, or protests within 2500 feet of military services, funerals or processions. The legislation is named in honor of US Army Spc. Thomas Wilwerth who was killed in action in Iraq during 2006. (March 12, 2011)

Local lawmakers called for state legislation Saturday to bar protesters from military funerals unless they posted a bond to cover extra security costs.

The proposal came in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this month that upheld a Kansas church's right to demonstrate outside soldiers' funerals.

"Yes, there is a right to free speech in our country," state Sen. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley)...

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Should the Westboro Baptist Church be allowed to protest at military funerals?

Yes, everybody has the right to free speech. No, a military funeral isn't the right place for protests.