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Assemblywoman Russell supporting two bills to protect funeral attendees from insult

Posted 6/8/11

Two measures now in the state Assembly aimed at protecting funeral services from disruptive demonstrations are receiving support from Assemblywoman Addie Russell. One bill would establish a 300-foot …

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Assemblywoman Russell supporting two bills to protect funeral attendees from insult

Posted

Two measures now in the state Assembly aimed at protecting funeral services from disruptive demonstrations are receiving support from Assemblywoman Addie Russell.

One bill would establish a 300-foot buffer zone around services beyond which demonstrators couldn’t disturb mourners. Another would empower local governments to require permits for any demonstrations taking place within 1,000 feet of the services.

Russell, is a Democrat who represents the northern half of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties from Theresa.

“Recently, several radical groups have grabbed national attention and risen to infamy for heartlessly protesting military funerals,” said Russell, a Democrat from Theresa.

“While these protestors have the right to free speech, they most certainly do not have the right to intimidate and threaten the well-being of funeral attendees, including the family members of the deceased. These bills would build on current law and give grieving families and friends a necessary buffer from those who would harass them.”

Russell said that "there is a time and place to express ideological differences and funeral services are not it. New York will not tolerate individuals or groups who use the most somber of moments to further their agendas—political, religious or otherwise.”