AUGUSTA – Efforts to enact emergency legislation to shield the family of Sgt. Corey Dan from anti-gay protesters who say they will picket his funeral were called off Wednesday.
After consulting with Republican and Democratic leaders and law enforcement, Gov. John Baldacci’s office determined that Maine laws already on the books would provide the appropriate buffer between mourners attending services at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan.
Baldacci, who will be among those attending the funeral Saturday, left it to Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Cantara to announce that current law is adequate to handle the hate group.
“There had been some discussion about what could be done to maintain public safety,” Cantara said, while also respecting the family and the constitutional rights of protesters.
“In that process, everybody’s rights will be respected, public order will be maintained and the day, we hope, will proceed focusing on the death of a loved one and the grief of a family,” Cantara said.
“The law enforcement community and Gov. Baldacci certainly condemn the message of hate that people from outside of the state want to bring. Maine is about neighbors helping neighbors; Maine is about a place that does not countenance hate and bias.”
Protesters, if they show up, will be allowed to deliver their message, Cantara said. But they will be regulated according to a plan that has been developed by local, state and county police.
“We’re going to do our best to make sure the family is afforded the respect they need to bury their loved one,” Cantara said. “A life will be celebrated, a sacrifice honored.”
In addition to attending the funeral, the governor has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff Saturday, the day of the funeral.
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