Mangano, Gold Star Parents & Local Veterans Denounce Supreme Court Ruling

Vow To Stand For Those Who Stood For Us

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was today joined by local veteran organizations in denouncing the recent 8-1 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Snyder v. Phelps which sides with funeral protesters over those who gave their life to defend our nation. Mangano, Gold Star Parents and other veterans vowed to join the Patriot Guard Riders, a national group with more than 300,000 volunteers, to form a barrier or shield with an American flag to keep the protesters from being seen by families.

“Although I believe in freedom of speech and to debate public issues in an open manner, I find it highly offensive and insensitive that the Court would allow protesters to demonstrate at the funeral of those who fought for our nation,” said County Executive Mangano. “Those mourning loved ones must be afforded the respect to do so without disturbance, criticism or ridicule.”

Although the ruling allows protests to continue, it does not reverse the Nassau County funeral-protest restriction of 300 feet and still permits governments to reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of public speech. County Executive Mangano announced that he will introduce legislation to restrict funeral demonstrations to a minimum distance of 1,000 feet in Nassau County and require protesters to obtain a permit to regulate the time, place and manner of demonstrations.

“We must pass laws to create a respectful buffer zone so that military families maintain their rights to bury loved ones in peace,” said Mangano. “Accordingly, I will introduce legislation that limits the proximity of funeral protests to a minimum distance of 1,000 feet while enforcing the right to mourn without disturbance.”

Moe Fletcher of Gold Star Parents added: “These protests at the wakes and funerals of our children, friends and family members desecrate the memory of our fallen heroes. We will continue to work with organizations such as the Patriot Guard to ensure that these families are given the proper opportunity to grieve and say goodbye to their loved ones.”

Connie Steers, New York State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Hearts stated: “The protestors have been known for their inflammatory remarks and signs and I cannot understand how people can be so immoral and disrespectful to our heroes who fought for their right to free speech. This type of behavior should not be tolerated.”