Senator Len Fasano, R-North Haven, today helped secure final passage of legislation to prohibit disruptive and disrespectful activities at funerals.

“Grieving families and friends have the right to attend the funerals of their loved ones in peace without worrying that anyone will take advantage of these sad occasions to pursue their own agendas. That is true regardless of whether the service is for a military veteran or a member of the general public. Furthermore, disrespectful and disruptive activities at funerals ought to be outlawed regardless of the reason behind this behavior,” said Senator Fasano, a co-sponsor of the legislation.

Earlier this year, Senator Fasano, a ranking member of the General Assembly’s Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, proposed legislation to require protesters to stay a respectful distance from military funerals, burials or memorial services. Senator Fasano said he is pleased to support legislation that provides that same protection to everyone.

The legislation, HB 6060, An Act Concerning Disruption of a Funeral, prohibits certain activities at certain locations from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral or memorial service. Specifically, the bill makes it a class A misdemeanor to willfully make, or assist in making, noise or creating a diversion that is not part of the funeral, or to intentionally disturb the peace or good order of a funeral. Such activities are prohibited within the “boundary of the location” of the funeral, including the cemetery, mortuary and house of worship, or within 150 feet of the intersection of the boundary and a road, pathway, or other entrance or exit. The bill also applies to anyone who is within 300 feet of the boundary and who intentionally, willfully, and without authorization impedes the entrance or exit from the location of the funeral.

The legislation, which was already passed by the House of Representatives, is on its way to Governor M. Jodi Rell’s desk.