
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed emergency legislation yesterday to create "funeral protection zones" that will allow grieving families the space and serenity to hold funeral services in dignity. The legislation comes after the pastor of Westboro Baptist Church, Fred Phelps, vowed to protest the funeral services of the 9 year old girl killed on Saturday. The Governor released the following statement:
“Such despicable acts of emotional terrorism will not be tolerated in the State of Arizona. This legislation will assure that the victims of Saturday’s tragic shooting in Tucson will be laid to rest in peace with the full dignity and respect that they deserve,” the Republican governor said in a statement.
The new law will create a 300 foot perimeter around a funeral location for a period of one hour prior and one hour after the funeral service.