Oklahoma State Senate
Senator Mary Easley
Senate District 18
Mayes, Tulsa and Wagoner counties

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2006

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