Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Restrict Disorderly Conduct at Funerals

For Immediate Release: February 2, 2007

Bill will protect decorum at military funerals

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure that will show respect for fallen soldiers and their families. House Bill 1168 makes disorderly conduct within 500 feet of a funeral or memorial service a misdemeanor.

�This is a bill that I wish was not necessary,� said Governor Gregoire. �Our soldiers and their families deserve our utmost respect and gratitude and this is a step we need to take to ensure that families in our state can mourn their loved ones in a secure and respectful environment.�

HB 1168, sponsored by Representative Dan Roach (R-Bonney Lake) expands the definition of disorderly conduct to include engaging in fighting, tumultuous conduct or making an unreasonable noise within 500 feet of where a funeral or burial is being performed, a funeral home during a viewing, a funeral procession or a building where a memorial service is being conducted. The person engaging in the conduct must know that the activity adversely affects the event. The crime of disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor.

�Some 40 funerals in the Pacific Northwest have been disrupted by radical groups in recent years. These groups and individuals have expressed the ugliest of sentiments, intimidating and disrespecting so many families � it is time for this to stop,� said Governor Gregoire.

The bill passed the House with 89 votes and passed the Senate with 42 votes. It takes effect immediately.

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