TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey has become the 12th state to adopt a law limiting protests at funeral services for soldiers killed in combat.
Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed the bill on Monday.
"Families that lose a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country deserve respect and admiration, not the indignity of a graveside political protest," said Assemblyman Jack Conners, the bill sponsor. "I am glad that the governor made a priority of protecting the dignity of our soldiers."
Conners, D-Burlington, introduced the bill after a Kansas church group began protesting funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq. The Westboro Baptist Church contends the deaths are God's vengeance for American homosexuality.
The group has not protested at a New Jersey funeral.
The law restricts protests within 500 feet of funerals, funeral processions, funeral homes and places of worship.
It makes it a disorderly persons offense to protest within an hour before or after a funeral. Such offenses are punishable by up to 18 months in jail and $1,000 in fines.
President George W. Bush recently signed a bill curbing pickets at national cemeteries.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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