Kansas will soon have its own version of a law regulating protests at funerals. Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed it into law today, but that may only be the start of the debate. 13's Lindsay Shively has more details.

The Governor says she signed the bill because it was time to send a message to other states about the demonstrations by Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church Members. Their protests sparked the legislation.

The Church has not stopped at the Kansas border, most of them heading to Ohio ten days ago...Governor Sebelius said its time for kansas to take a clear stand on the issue. "It's unfortunate that this reprehensible practice has been exported to other states and its time that Kansas join the majority of states in insulating families and loved ones from the hateful messages."

The bill bans protests within 150 feet of a funeral at least one hour before and two hours after the start of the service. It also makes it illegal to obstruct public streets or sidewalks while picketing.

Violators would be subject to fines up to $1000.00 and six months in jail.
Family members will also be able to sue protestors for defamation of the deceased. But before it will go into affect, it has to stand up in a court of law.

"We've asked the Attorney General in this bill to take the law to the supreme court and insure its constitutionality." Sebelius says she is confident morrison will find the bill fits within the constitution. The Westboro Baptist Church did challenge similar ordinances a decade ago and the court ruled in their favor.