Springfield, IL – The Illinois House recently approved legislation that would establish the “Let Them Rest in Peace Act,” a measure intended to prevent offensive protests at all Illinois funeral services.

State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) was a co-sponsor of the measure, which he explained was introduced in an effort to protect the families of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan by prohibiting loud and inflammatory protests at funerals.

“Unfortunately, there have been incidents across the country where groups gather to hatefully picket the funeral services of United States soldiers killed overseas. Lawmakers felt that this is not only disrespectful to the men and women who died serving this country, but is also hurtful and offensive to the families trying to bury their loved ones in peace,” said Rutherford.

Senate Bill 1144 will provide much-needed safeguards to prevent similar situations from occurring by prohibiting protests within 200 feet of all Illinois funeral services beginning 30 minutes before a funeral begins and extending until 30 minutes after the funeral concludes.

Similar legislation is being considered in at least 14 states including Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The measure now heads to the desk of Governor Rod Blagojevich, who has expressed intentions to sign the bill into law.