Bill limits protests at military funerals

LANSING, Mich., April 19 (UPI) -- The Michigan state House passed a bill prohibiting protests from taking place within 500 feet of funerals.

The legislation is aimed at the Rev. Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., who have protested at military funerals around the nation, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The group's chants and signs say the deaths of soldiers killed in Iraq are God's vengeance for acceptance of homosexuality, promiscuity and adultery in the United States. Phelps' group has appeared at dozens of military funerals.

Besides Michigan, 29 other states have proposed similar legislation restricting protests at funerals, the National Conference of State Legislatures said.

Although the bills passed 102-1 on Tuesday, one lawmaker warned that they will invite a constitutional court challenge because of free-speech concerns.

"The 500-feet standard has never been upheld anywhere," said Rep. Leon Drolet, R-Clinton Township. "I'm afraid this kind of legislation is going to be found unconstitutional."