Funeral picketing becomes illegal

By Michael McNutt
The Oklahoman

Limit on protesters effective immediately.
Anyone protesting a funeral in Oklahoma will break the law.
Gov. Brad Henry on Friday signed into law a measure that will limit protests at funerals. The law took effect immediately.
Lawmakers passed the bill in response to members of a Kansas church protesting recently at soldiers' funerals.
Legislators sped the process to pass the bill because two military funerals are scheduled next week in Oklahoma. A funeral is planned Monday for Army Pfc. Joshua Francis Powers, who died Feb. 25 in Iraq. Another is scheduled Tuesday for Guymon soldier Joshua Pearce, who died Feb. 26 when the Army vehicle in which he was riding hit an explosive device.
The Oklahoma Funeral Picketing Act makes the following a misdemeanor: picketing within 500 feet of a cemetery, mortuary or church from one hour before the scheduled commencement of funeral services until one hour after the completion of the funeral services.
If convicted, a person could be punished with a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment in the county jail of not more than 30 days, or both a fine and time in jail.
Additionally, a district court could award damages, including punitive damages, attorney fees or other appropriate relief against the people found guilty of the crime.