Funeral picketing bill clears Senate

A measure to strengthen Oklahoma’s funeral picketing laws was approved unanimously Tuesday. Senate Bill 406, by Sen. Josh Brecheen, will help keep protesters away from funeral services for a longer period of time as well as a further distance away from a service.

“I find it hard to comprehend that we have such reprehensible people who get pleasure out of mocking the deaths of others. It’s shameful, but as Americans we all have our freedom of speech,” said Brecheen, R-Coalgate. “My bill, however, will ensure that families have more time to mourn without any outside interference. It’ll also keep protesters further away from these services so hopefully the families won’t have to pass or see the protesters on their way to and from the funeral.”

Currently, protesters are banned from funerals for up to an hour before and after a service. They also must stay at least 500 feet from the service. SB 406 extends the time period to two hours before and after and increases the distance to 1,000 feet.

During debate, Brecheen noted that his bill not only applies to military funerals but all funeral services in the state.

Brecheen’s bill now moves to the House for further consideration.