Nassau protest bill goes too far
Westboro Baptist Church members at one of their infamous protests. Credit: AP Photo
In response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that the picketing of military funerals can be protected free speech, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano has proposed new limits on funeral protests. They go too far.
Westboro Baptist Church members picketed a Marine's funeral in Maryland because they believe the death of American soldiers is punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality. The family sued, saying signs that read, among other things, "Thank God For Dead Soldiers," caused anguish.
The Supreme Court ruled that the picketers, addressing issues of public concern on public property and in compliance with local laws, were within their rights.
Understandably, veterans were unhappy with the ruling. Mangano, who has taken significant criticism from veterans over changes to leadership at Nassau's Veterans Service Agency, seized the moment to denounce the ruling and propose a new law.
Mangano wants to expand the county's 300-foot funeral buffer to 1,000 feet, require a permit, and bar protests from one hour before until one hour after funerals. Suffolk has that time rule, but requires no permits and only a 150-foot buffer.
The Westboro protesters were 1,000 feet away, and other towns have used that limit. But requiring permits to picket funerals, which can occur with little notice, is troubling unless there is a quick process. Least reasonable are the time constraints.
Mourners have the right to attend a service without being hectored, but any restrictions must be balanced with free speech rights. Mangano's bill doesn't do that.
