Friday, April 21, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Supports Law Shielding Mourners from Threatened Funeral Protest
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today offered his support to law enforcement officials working to enforce Missouri’s new law shielding grieving families and friends from funeral protest.
“I stand behind Missouri’s law enforcement officials as they take appropriate steps to enforce our state’s law banning protests at funerals,” Blunt said “It is repugnant that some groups would attempt to spread their message of hate during such a difficult time for grieving families and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are mourning the heroic lives of their loved ones.”
Members of a Kansas hate group have said they plan to protest the services of Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall Lynn Lamberson in Republic today and Marine Lance Cpl. Darin Settle in Eugene tomorrow. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has assigned officers to be on hand to protect mourners’ from vile protest.
Lamberson died from injuries sustained when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle while serving in Iraq on April 9. Settle was killed in Iraq on April 14, while serving his second tour of duty in the country.
Senate Bill 578, also called Spc. Edward Lee Myers Law, enacts restrictions on protests at funerals and went into effect February 23. The legislation was passed in response to an August protest in St. Joseph at the funeral of Spc. Edward Myers, who died in service to his country while stationed in Iraq.
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