Washington D.C., May 10, 2006 - Congressman Mike Bilirakis (R-FL) yesterday voted for H.R. 5037, the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, which prohibits demonstrations at national cemeteries during a funeral or memorial service to within 500 feet and only sixty minutes before and after the event. The House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 408 to 3.
"I was disturbed to read about demonstrators verbally harassing the families of our fallen soldiers during the funeral or memorial services for them. I find this behavior unacceptable and reprehensible. These demonstrators show their total lack of respect and compassion for the grieving family during their saddest moments," said Bilirakis.
Bilirakis said, "In Griffin v. Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals upheld as constitutional an existing federal regulation which provides that ‘any service, ceremony, or demonstration, except as authorized by the head of the facility or designee, is prohibited on VA property.’ The Supreme Court has already approved language included in the bill."
"As an original cosponsor of H.R. 5037, I feel that there is a proper time and place to freely express an opinion, and this bill maintains that constitutional right while also protecting the mourning family and friends of our heroes," said Bilirakis.
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