Gov. Nixon approves restrictions on funeral protests

Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation reaffirming Missouri’s ban on protests near funerals.

The measure enacted Friday prohibits protests within 300 feet of funeral or burial sites from one hour before they begin until one hour after they end.

That already was included in a Missouri law that was upheld in court. But Missouri law also banned protests along funeral processions, which was struck down in court.

The revised law signed by Nixon removes the ban on protests along funeral procession routes. It also includes a definition of protest activities.

The measure leaves in place the current penalties – up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500 for first offenders, and up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for repeat offenders.

The funeral protest bill is HB1372, available online at www.moga.mo.gov