7517 - Commemorative service demonstration activities.

     § 7517.  Commemorative service demonstration activities.        (a)  Legislative intent.--The General Assembly finds and     declares that:            (1)  Families have a substantial interest in organizing        and attending commemorative services for deceased relatives.            (2)  The interests of families in privately and        peacefully mourning the loss of deceased relatives are        violated when commemorative services are targeted for        picketing and other public demonstrations.            (3)  Picketing of commemorative services causes emotional        disturbance and distress to grieving families who participate        in commemorative services.            (4)  Full opportunity exists under the terms and        provisions of this section for the exercise of freedom of        speech and other constitutional rights at times other than        within one hour prior to, during and one hour following the        commemorative services.        (b)  Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the     third degree if the person engages in demonstration activities     within 500 feet of any cemetery, mortuary, church or other     location being utilized for the purposes of a commemorative     service within one hour prior to, during and one hour following     the commemorative service.        (c)  Definitions.--As used in this section, the following     words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this     subsection:        "Commemorative service."  An event involving the gathering of     individuals who assemble:            (1)  At a cemetery or other location during the burial,        funeral, ceremony or memorial service of a specific deceased        person to mourn or honor the deceased person or to pay        respect to the family of the deceased person.            (2)  In a building during the viewing, visitation,        burial, funeral, ceremony or memorial service of a specific        deceased person to mourn or honor the deceased person or to        pay respect to the family of the deceased person.            (3)  To participate in a procession to a cemetery,        building or other location in which a viewing, visitation,        burial, funeral, ceremony or memorial service of a specific        deceased person is to be conducted to mourn or honor the        deceased person or to pay respect to the family of the        deceased person.        "Demonstration activities."  Any of the following:            (1)  Any picketing or similar conduct.            (2)  Any oration, speech or use of sound amplification        equipment or device or similar conduct that is not part of a        commemorative service.            (3)  The display of any placard, sign, banner, flag or        similar device, unless such display is part of a        commemorative service.            (4)  The distribution of any handbill, pamphlet, leaflet        or other written or printed matter, other than a program        distributed as part of a commemorative service.     (June 30, 2006, P.L.288, No.63, eff. 60 days)        2006 Amendment.  Act 63 added section 7517.        Cross References.  Section 7517 is referred to in section     8320 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).