(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans praise President Bush for signing a new law that bans protests at the military funerals of fallen service members. "We thank President Bush for signing this legislation," said Log Cabin President Patrick Guerriero. "This law gives the families of America's fallen heroes the dignity and respect they deserve."
The law became necessary after anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his family began a nationwide blitz of protests at the funerals of fallen service men and women. Phelps claims the fallen service members deserve their fate because of this country's tolerance of gay and lesbian people.
The "Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act" bars protests within 300 feet of the entrance of a national cemetery and within 150 feet of a road into the cemetery. Those violating the act would face up to a $100,000 fine and up to a year in prison. The bill overwhelmingly passed both Houses of Congress.
"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom," said Guerriero. "We will never forget their courage and their bravery."
Phelps and his congregation of mostly family members have also targeted the funerals of gays and lesbians, including Matthew Shepard. They regularly condemn homosexuality, using outrageous rhetoric such as "God hates fags" to make headlines. They have protested Log Cabin and Patrick Guerriero, calling him "a faggot…worthy of the death penalty."
