Attorney General's News Release

December 6, 2007

Nixon will appeal federal court decision that stops enforcement of Missouri law prohibiting protests at military funerals

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today said he will appeal a ruling from a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to stop the enforcement of a Missouri law prohibiting protests at military funerals. The appeals court decision reverses a federal district court decision denying a motion for a preliminary injunction by a Kansas woman, Shirley Phelps-Roper, who challenged the law. Nixon was one of the defendants named in the lawsuit, and his office has defended it against the court challenge.

“I will take every legal step necessary to see that this law is upheld,” Nixon said. “Missouri has the right to protect the families of our fallen military members from these intrusive and disgusting protests.”

The Attorney General’s Office will ask the entire Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear the matter.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818