Why is it allowed for people to protest outside of funeral homes protesting certain situations?

Question

I noticed more recently on the new broadcast that people have been outside of funeral homes protesting such things crime, war and even personal beliefs. Cant people even mourn loved ones without outsiders making it a side show. If you have an opinion on it then write a letter and post it in the paper. Leave the families alone and use your time protesting the funeral homes until another day or another situation to get noticed. When does the freedom of speech go too far? If you dont believe in abortions, pray for them.If you dont like blacks or jews, then quit hiding behind white sheets and move to a deserted island or stay in the woods cut off from the world. If you dont like war, politicians,rich people, global warming, taxes,your job, gays, aides, research of stem cells or anything that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable look at it this way. Someone out there probably doesnt think much of you either but, have they tried to start an uproar over it? Let people live on like they please

Answer 1

Oh you mean thoes crazy Christians from that Church that are going around protesting the soldiers that died in the war....yeah I heard about that....They are crazy..thats why they do it.

Answer 2

No. A funeral is a time for family and freinds to pay their last respects in their own way to a loved one . Why in the world would anyone want to have a protest at a funeral anyway ? If it were toward the deceased , in my eyes if they were a bad person they will have judgement and if it were toward the people gathering I'm sure there could be a more appropriate time . Just my opinion : )

Answer 3

While I do believe in the freedom to protest, and there are rules that govern such things, I do think that these protests at soldiers funerals are sick and have gone way too far. Yes, a family should be able to mourn in peace. Expecially since the things being protested don't seem to have anything to do with the individual who has died. There are respectful ways to protest, and this is not one of them.

Maybe someone should find these people's homes and protest their existence.

Answer 4

As much as Im against the war, I think protesting when they bring the fallen soldiers home (or at the soldiers' funeral) is wrong. I would NEVER do that because its rude, and ignorant of the person. You do not know them personally and their loved ones are trying to mourn the loss, dont add fuel to the fire or you are jus tas wrong as whatever you are protesting.

Answer 5

It's called "freedom of speech" and it's what all military people and veterans have fought and/or given their lives for.
I am a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders. (www.patriotguard.org) We gather to block the view and sounds of these type of protesters who show up at military funerals and we show our support for the families who are grieving. Most families never see these protesters because they are washed out by a wall of proud Americans standing shoulder to shoulder and holding American flags.
Freedom of speech can be carried too far, but how do we measure what is and what isn't acceptable ? I think the Patriot Guard got it right from day one - RESPECT !!!!
We exercise our right to freedom of speech by respecting others.
Semper Fi

Answer 6

People who protest outside funeral homes should realise that one day they just might be sleeping in a box in that particular funeral home and have some other mis guided free speech idiot ruining their trying to rest in Peace.
Why do people try to stage protests outside funeral homes? is it with the hope that the dead person might carry their grievances to her / his creator for a solution???

Answer 7

I think it is horrible that people are allowed to protest outside funeral homes! I think that there should be a law against it. It is so wrong to the family of the deceased.

Answer 8

While I support the right to protest it is just downright classless and disrespectful to do it outside someone's funeral. Regardless of who that person is/was. Someone should ask these people how they would feel if I stood outside their loved one's funeral holding a sign that says "Your mom died because God hates gays or George Bush only cares about oil, etc."

Answer 9

I have never heard of people protesting outside of funeral homes, and I live in Southern California where just about anything goes. Still, I agree with your viewpoints. There are plenty of things for people to have diverse opinions about and to want to change. The best way to bring about change is to do it peacefully, without infringing upon the rights of others and without hurting others in the process. I for one am against abortion (something you mentioned in your question), yet I would never dream of standing outside an abortion clinic holding up signs and shouting things to women who went inside. These women and teenage girls have enough stress going on regarding their decision, and whether or not I agree with it, it is not up to me - it's up to them, and they should not have to deal with angry protestors when they are trying to deal with a very stressful situation in their lives. Yes, I pray for them, but I also talk about my beliefs when the opportunity arises, in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way. We can oppose things in this life and we are blessed to live in a nation where we have the freedom to do so without being imprisoned for speaking up. Still, we need to do so in a thoughtful and considerate manner, so as to not trample upon the rights of others. Shame on those people who are protesting outside of funeral homes. It is devastating to lose someone through death. I have lost my parents and brother these past 2 years, and if I had to encounter such a spectacle outside of the funeral home that handled my family members' burials, I would be devastated when I was already having to deal with profound grief. This is a good question. Thank you for asking it!

Answer 10

This is the rudest and sickest abuse of free speech. And a serious lack or responsibility on part of the law enforcement people.