Blunt praises local law enforcement agencies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- People wishing to protest at funerals of soldiers may find it much more difficult to do in Missouri with law enforcement agencies willing to ensure the services are protected, Gov. Matt Blunt said Wednesday.

In the governor's Jefferson City office, Blunt issued a proclamation to Cape Girardeau-area law enforcement officials who worked to enforce Missouri's Funeral Protest Law.

Members of the Topeka, Kan., Westboro Baptist Church intended to protest the funeral of Jackson-native Jeremy Shank, who was killed Sept. 6 in Iraq. The group routinely protests at the funerals of soldiers throughout the country, claiming God is punishing the United State for tolerating homosexuality.

Days before the Sept. 17 funeral, the church lost its effort in federal court to seek a temporary injunction against enforcing the funeral law, which prohibits protest demonstrations in front of or around a funeral. The law was passed earlier this year.

Local law enforcement agencies were named defendants in the case.

The proclamation honored Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle; officers from the police departments of Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston; officers from the Bollinger County and Cape Girardeau County sheriff's departments; Missouri State Highway Patrol officers; and officers from the Cape Girardeau County Juvenile Office and state Children's Division.

Several law enforcement agencies were prepared to assist in keeping the peace during the funeral. None of the protesters showed up to demonstrate.

Blunt said in a news release that the honorees "aggressively enforced this law to ensure that families and communities are protected from the protests of a fringe group that acts with hate and causes pain to those who are mourning the loss of a military hero."

Swingle said he would surprised if the church or another group would attempt to protest another funeral in Missouri.

"I think Missouri is ready, willing and able to vigorously enforce this law," he said.

Also in attendance at the presentation were state Reps. Nathan Cooper, R-Cape Girardeau, and Scott Lipke, R-Jackson.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

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