The Hill News

A federal judge ruled Monday that a Missouri restriction against protests at funerals is unconsitutional.

The Associated Press reported that Judge Fernando Gaitan ruled that the restrictions violated the free-speech rights of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, which has protested outside funerals of fallen veterans.

The group objects to members of the military because they protect a country that tolerates homosexuality.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has been an outspoken opponent of the Westboro Baptist Church. In April, he weighed in on a similar case in which a court overturned a ruling that favored the family of a soldier whose funeral was interrupted in Maryland. 

The Missouri law bans protests near any funeral, procession or memorial service within an hour of the ceremonies. A related law requires that protesters stay back at least 300 feet.