Protests, picketing at funerals temporarily banned in Charleston
On Tuesday, the Charleston City Council unanimously passed a temporary ordinance banning protests or picketing within 300 feet of a church or other building holding a funeral, memorial, or burial for one hour before and one hour after the event.
The move came just days before services will be held for the nine people who were shot and killed last week in the Emanuel AME Church. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said police recommended the ordinance after being tipped off that a group might be planning to protest at one of the funerals, The Associated Press reports. Police Chief Gregory Mullen would not divulge the name of the group, and said their protest had nothing to do with the ongoing debate over the Confederate flag.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
