"Let them Rest in Peace Act" protecting grieving military families signed into state lawMay 17, 2006
Springfield.….Legislation placing restrictions on protests at military funeral services in Illinois was signed into state law Wednesday, just in time to allow one Effingham soldier to "Rest in Peace" during his funeral later this week.
Warrant Officer Second Class Christopher Donaldson was among 10 people killed in Afghanistan when a helicopter went down during combat operations. His funeral, scheduled for this Friday, is likely to attract protesters who want to use the occasion to advance their own agenda.
But Senate Republican Frank Watson (R-Greenville), State Senators Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), John O. Jones (R-Mt. Vernon), and State Representatives Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) and David Reis (R-Olney) say that with the signing of the "Let them Rest in Peace Act", Warrant Officer Donaldson's friends and families do not have to be bothered by protesters during the funeral services.
"The legislation protects the dignity of the services and pays the appropriate respect to the fallen and their families," said Watson of the measure that prohibits loud and inflammatory protests within 200 feet of all Illinois funeral services beginning 30 minutes before a funeral, during a funeral, and 30 minutes after the funeral. "It's hard to believe we actually need a law like this to prevent such callous demonstrations at ceremonies honoring our fallen heroes."
"A lot of people have demurred over the importance of this legislation," Righter commented, "but now we see the immediate significance of this act, as Effingham County residents prepare to bury one of their own. This law came to fruition just in time."
Eddy echoed Righter's statements, pointing out that because the measure will take effect immediately, it will protect Warrant Officer Donaldson's family when they pay their final respects Friday.
The "Let Them Rest in Peace Act," which was unanimously approved by the Illinois House and Senate, was crafted in response to a series of disruptions at military funerals in Illinois and nationwide by members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., a fundamentalist church group known for picketing the burials of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Because no pre-existing legislation outlawed their behavior, Patriot Guard Riders often attended these military burial services to provide a shield for grieving friends and family members.
Jones, a veteran of the United States Air Force, said that he and Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson have given the Patriot Guard Riders a presentation, State-of-Illinois-flag to carry with them when they stand guard at the funerals of soldiers killed in active duty. The first time the flag will be used will be at the funeral on Friday.
"Now, the Patriot Guard Riders can pay their respects without being forced to stand guard at military funerals," said Jones.
Reis added that while the protestors may still show up at the service, they will not be permitted to engage in disruptive noisemaking, including yelling and chanting, or hold signs that convey "fighting words" within the privacy zone. "Violating the ban will not be considered a disorderly conduct charge, which carries a fine up to $1,500 and up to 30 days in jail."
Chief Warrant Officer Second Class Christopher Donaldson was 28 years old. He was a CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot assigned to Company B, 3 rd Battalion, 10 th Aviation Regiment, 10 th Mountain Division (LI) based in Fort Drum, N.Y. He died May 5, 2006 in a helicopter accident in Kunar Province in Afghanistan.
