Bill to restrict funeral protests headed to Taft

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
COLUMBUS -- A proposal that would place restrictions on political demonstrations at funerals is headed to Gov. Bob Taft for his expected signature.
The Ohio House approved 91-0 on Thursday minor changes to the bill that had been added in the Ohio Senate, which approved the bill earlier this week.
The bill is sponsored by state Rep. John A. Boccieri of New Middletown, D-61st.
Mark Rickel, a spokesman for Taft, said Wednesday the Republican governor intends to the sign the bill into law soon.
The bill, which covers demonstrations at all funerals, arose out of controversies connected to protests at military funerals. It would keep protesters at funerals 300 feet from all funeral services.
Under the measure, violations of the proposed restriction would result in a maximum of 30 days in the county jail and maximum fines of $250 for violators.
Boccieri has said his measure was directed, in part, at the activities of the Rev. Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. The Rev. Mr. Phelps and his congregation use military funeral protests to garner attention for their message that God is punishing the United States for accepting homosexuality.
Boccieri is a major in the Air Force Reserve.