Oklahoma
State Senate
Senator Mary Easley
Senate District 18
Mayes, Tulsa and Wagoner counties
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For Immediate Release: March 3, 2006
Senator Mary
Easley
Easley Applauds Governor Henry for Signing Picketing
Measure
State Senator Mary Easley, vice-chair of the Senate
Energy and Environment Committee thanked Governor Brad
Henry Friday for signing her funeral picketing bill
into law, which goes into effect immediately.
Senate Bill 1020, known as the “Oklahoma Funeral
Picketing Act” makes it a misdemeanor to picket
within 500 feet of a cemetery, mortuary or church from
one hour before the scheduled commencement of funeral
services until one hour after the completion of the
funeral services.
Easley said the approval of her bill comes as a critical
time as a funeral is scheduled for Saturday for Guymon
soldier Joshua Pearce, who died Feb. 26 when the Army
vehicle he was riding in hit an explosive device.
A group from Topeka, Kan. which recently protested funerals
of other soldiers killed in action, announced plans
to protest the Guymon funeral.
“I’m very pleased that Gov. Henry signed
this bill so quickly,” said Easley, (D-Tulsa).
“I hope this finally stops those protestors and
lets families mourn their loved ones in peace.”
If convicted, a person could be punished by a fine of
not more than $500, by imprisonment in the county jail
of not more than 30 days, or by both a fine and imprisonment.
Additionally, a district court could award damages,
including punitive damages, attorney fees or other appropriate
relief against the persons found guilty of the crime.
Ronnie Felts, manager of Floral Haven Funeral Home in
Broken Arrow says he supports Easley’s bill and
was pleased to see Gov. Henry sign the bill into law.
Felts said that Kansas group has come to Broken Arrow
to protest several funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq.
“I’m excited about this,” Felts said.
“Hopefully, they can enforce this law and keep
those protestors away from the funerals. “I’m
looking forward to the governor’s signature on
this.”
Easley said this law is a reminder that there is a proper
time and place for protesting, but funerals aren’t
one of them.
“These picketers need to realize what they have
been doing at funerals is wrong,” Easley said.
“If they violate this law, they can expect to
the face the legal consequences.”
For
more information contact:
Senator Easley's Office - (405) 521-5590
