Reis: Funerals No Place for Disrespectful Demonstrations

February 10, 2006

Springfield.….Representative David Reis (R - Ste. Marie) is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation aimed at stopping protestors from interrupting funeral services. The measure is aimed at stopping what has become an increasingly common practice in the Midwest at funerals for soldiers who have perished in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Families gathered peacefully at a funeral deserve to be able to mourn and honor their loved one without the fear of disruption" Reis said.

Rep. Reis also said he is helping to sponsor HB 4532 to help send a message of support to Illinois' men and women in uniform. "I want to ensure that our brave service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice get the respect that they deserve and that their families are allowed to exercise their right to gather and mourn in a manner that they see fit" said Reis.

The legislation quickly moved out of committee during the first days of the 2006 spring session. The bill has received bipartisan support from several General Assembly members and Reis believes it should be passed into law in the very near future.

  "I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move such an important piece of legislation along. We should always do everything we can to show our support for members of the United States military and their families" Reis said.