§ 644:2-b — Prohibition on Funeral Protests

I. In this section, "funeral" means the ceremonies, processions, and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead.
II. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in picketing or other protest activities at any location at which a funeral is held, within one hour prior to the commencement of any funeral, and until one hour following the cessation of any funeral, if such picketing or other protest activities:
(a) Take place within 150 feet of a road, pathway, or other route of ingress to or egress from cemetery property and include, as part of such activities, any individual willfully making or assisting in the making of any noise or diversion that disturbs or tends to disturb the peace or good order of the funeral, memorial service, or ceremony; or
(b) Are within 300 feet of such cemetery and impede the access to or egress from such cemetery.
III. Each day on which a violation of this section occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor, unless committed by a person who has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this section, in which case the violation is a class A misdemeanor.

Legislative History

2007, 370:2, eff. Sept. 15, 2007.