U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) today joined with a number of colleagues to announce the introduction of a bill to protect military funerals from disruption by outside groups. The bipartisan legislation would amend existing federal laws to help prevent disruptions at military funerals. The Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans, or “SERVE” Act (S.815), defines the time and place for protests at funerals, and it provides clear remedies and increased penalties when conduct at military funeral services is not protected by the First Amendment. Joining Senator Snowe in introducing the measure are Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dan Coats (R-IN), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Harry Reid (D-NV), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)."Those who fight and die in the service of our country deserve our highest respect. Their families have earned the right to bury their loved ones in peace. The SERVE Act strikes a balance between the sanctity of a funeral service and the right to free speech," said Senator Snowe.
Specifically, the SERVE Act would increase the quiet time before and after military funeral services from 60 minutes to 120 minutes; increase from 150 feet to 300 feet the buffer around a military funeral service and increase from 300 feet to 500 feet the buffer around access routes to a funeral service area; and increase civil penalties on violators.
Snowe noted the measure enhances national security by protecting military recruitment and retention. "Our nation has a vested interest in respecting those who serve in our armed forces. This bill achieves that while respecting the intent of the First Amendment to our Constitution," Snowe said. “I also want to express my appreciation to a constituent of mine, Zach Parker, the high school senior whose commitment to the cause of protecting military funerals from disruption served as great inspiration to me and many others.”
“This legislation will protect the families of our fallen soldiers and help preserve the dignity of military funerals from those who wish to disrupt and cause pain and suffering,” said Senator Cardin. “I believe this bill provides the appropriate language called for in the Supreme Court decision and provides the very necessary protections for our fallen heroes and their families so they can mourn in peace.”
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