Protesters at military funerals rile legislators

2 propose bills to put limits on 'un-American' actions

Inside Bristol Road Church of Christ, about 700 mourners grieved the death of Army Pfc. Allan Morr from rural Shiawassee County.

Outside, protesters from a tiny church in Kansas held signs proclaiming "America is doomed" and "Don't worship the dead."

But the protesters aren't against the war. Westboro Baptist Church is protesting America's tolerance of gay culture. Soldiers, the church says, represent a nation that does not condemn gays and are thus being punished by God.

The group has picketed about 100 military funerals nationwide, including Morr's last week in Flint.

With the group's recent attention to Michigan, lawmakers here hope to join a growing number of states restricting funeral protests.

"This is un-American, ridiculous, obnoxious behavior," said state Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge.

"No parent should ever have to bury their child and go through this type of treatment."

Jones and Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan, hope to introduce bills in the next few weeks. The legislation would limit the length of demonstrations at funerals and memorial services, create a buffer between the service and the protest, and categorize such demonstrations as disorderly conduct.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office said she supports the general idea.

"Gov. Granholm is appalled at the conduct of these protesters and would willingly consider legislation that would limit these protesters' access to funerals for our fallen soldiers," spokeswoman Liz Boyd said.