February 13, 2013 - Legislation placing restrictions on funeral and burial protests, including those of veterans, was approved last week by the County Council.
The measure, introduced by 6th District Councilman Steve Stenger, D-Affton, was approved with a 6-0 vote. First District Councilwoman Hazel Erby, D-University City, was absent from the Feb. 5 meeting.
The legislation mirrors ordinances approved in Creve Coeur, Manchester and Clayton, according to Stenger.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the city of Manchester's ordinance in October. That ordinance was drafted in response to funeral and burial protests conducted by members of the Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church.
Stenger's legislation restricts picketing within 300 feet of where a funeral or burial service is taking place during the duration of the service, as well as one hour before and after a service.
Stenger previously told the Call that he was motivated to introduce the legislation primarily because Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery lies completely within his council district.
The cemetery, with its 346 developed acres and more than 176,000 interments, is the fifth busiest national cemetery with 350 to 400 burials per month, according to the councilman.
"I see these smaller municipalities taking action in this regard and to think we wouldn't take that same action for our fallen heroes, particularly in unincorporated (St. Louis County) in our own district where we have Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, I think it would be a mistake not to do that," Stenger previously said.
Tags: St. Louis County News
Related Editorial Our TownCar-theft suspect shot by policePolice say Oakville man pointed assault rifle at themMay 08 2013A 29-year-old Oakville man was fatally shot at 1:21 a.m. today — May 11 — by St. Louis County Police who said he pointed an assault rifle at them when opening the door of his apartment....
Our TownPolice add patrol after attempted armed robberyIncident occurred near Suson ParkMay 01 2013The St. Louis County Police Department’s Affton-Southwest Precinct has added an extra patrol near Suson Park in south county after an attempted robbery Sunday evening....
School NewsLemay Chamber of Commerce honors outstanding teachersEducators recognized at 12th annual eventMay 01 2013The Lemay Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery Bank recently honored eleven teachers, one from each school in ZIP code 63125, at the 12th annual Outstanding Educator Recognition Dinner....
Our TownSouth county woman marks 100th birthdayApr 17 2013County Executive Charlie Dooley declared April 15 ‘Ann Ray Day’ to honor the 100th birthday of Ray, left, a former ‘Rosie the Riveter’ who made turrets in a St. Louis factory during World War II before ...
| |
|
|
| |
| |
