Washington, Mar 17, 2006 -

After learning that protestors assaulted the funeral of Pfc. Amy Duerksen of the 4^th Infantry Division today, Congressman Carter issued the following statement:

“The Westboro Baptist Church protestors’ actions at the funerals of our service men and women are truly reprehensible. These actions place cruel and unnecessary hardship on our military families during their most difficult hour. A mother or father, husband, wife or child should have the right to bury their loved one in a ceremony of respect and dignity,” Congressman Carter said. “In order to protect the funerals of our fallen, I am joining my House colleagues in introducing a bill that would put restrictions on protests at funerals at national cemeteries. I believe all funeral ceremonies should be protected, and this bill allows the federal government to protect all areas within its jurisdiction. I hope all state and local governments will follow our lead to honor the memories of the service men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.”

Although the legislation is still being drafted, below is a summary of what the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act would accomplish:

• Ban all demonstrations 60 minutes prior to and after funerals taking place at Department of Veterans Affairs’ national cemeteries or the Department of Army’s Arlington National Cemetery (the only areas the federal government maintains jurisdiction over);

• Impose a 500-foot restriction on demonstrations at national cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery;

• Allow for a civil infraction for violations, including monetary fines and/or jail time of six months to a year, as consistent with the authority granted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under current regulation; and

• Express the sense of Congress that all states should enact similar bans for state and private cemeteries, as well as funeral homes.