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HomeNewsPitts Moves Legislation Upping the Penalty for Protestors against Military

Pitts Moves Legislation Upping the Penalty for Protestors against Military

Pitts: ‘…the stick must be sufficiently strong to deter those seeking to be disruptive.’ 

The Seal of the State of TennesseeNashville, TN – State Rep. Joe Pitts Wednesday moved legislation upping the penalty on those who protest against the nation’s soldiers at funerals.

“I want everyone to know they have a constitutional right to protest against our nation and the brave individuals who have fought for all of us, but violating prescribed boundaries and proving disruptive will mean a stiffer penalty than before,” said Pitts (D-Clarksville).

A recent Supreme Court ruling upheld the right of free speech relating to certain groups protesting at funerals.

The court further ruled that while a group has the right to protest peacefully, and while their speech cannot be restricted simply because it is upsetting or arouses contempt, they are obligated to comply with police guidance on where the picketing can be staged.

Current law makes it a Class C misdemeanor for the offense of disorderly conduct within 500 feet of a funeral or funeral procession.

House Bill 1869 increases the penalty for those who violate the 500-foot boundary requirement. It changes it from a Class C misdemeanor, the penalty for which is not greater than 30 days imprisonment or a fine not to exceed $50.00, to a Class B misdemeanor which would result in up to 6 months imprisonment or a minimum fine of $500.00.

“It is not the intent of this legislation to restrict our “certain inalienable rights” such as free speech, but I am concerned that the stick be sufficiently strong to deter those who will not conform to the standards of decency of our society,” Pitts said.

About State Representative Joe Pitts

Joe PittsJoe Pitts serves in the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 67. A native of Clarksville Tennessee, Joe is a Northwest High School graduate (Class of 1976) and a 1980 graduate of Austin Peay State University.

He is married to Cynthia, an author and director of a women’s ministry, and they have five children.

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