House Passes Legislation to Prohibit Protesting at National Cemeteries

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jerry Moran today announced House passage of legislation he sponsored to prohibit protesters from disrupting funeral services at national cemeteries. This legislation protects mourning military families during funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and at national veterans' cemeteries across the country.

"Today's action by the House helps protect the families of our fallen heroes," Moran said. "The service men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms have earned our respect and their families deserve a peaceful time to bury their loved ones."

The Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act, H.R. 5037, prevents disruptions of military funerals at national cemeteries for one hour before and after services. It also prohibits protesting within 500 feet of funerals.

In March, Moran also introduced legislation to commend Patriot Guard Riders for shielding military families from protesters at funerals. Founded in Mulvane, Kan., the Patriot Guard Riders are a nationwide group of tens of thousands of members who appear at the request of families to provide a buffer from protesters and show their respect for fallen service members at funerals.

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