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For Immediate
Release
12/3/07
Contact:
Carol Maravic
(717) 787-6725
Senate Endorses Orie Legislation to Prohibit
Using Names, Images of Fallen Soldiers for Commercial Profit
The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen.
Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) that is aimed at protecting the rights of families of
soldiers who have died in Iraq by prohibiting the use of the name or likeness of
a fallen soldier for commercial profit.
Orie said the issue first came to light when an Oklahoma family discovered
various materials being marketed on eBay bearing the image of their son who
died in combat in Iraq. A Flagstaff, Arizona, company that sells anti-war and
anti-Bush bumper stickers via the Internet was distributing the T-shirts, which
included the names and images of fallen soldiers, along with a super-imposed
political message.
"While political speech is rightfully protected by the state and federal
constitutions, I belief it is disrespectful and unnecessary to compound a
family's tragedy when conveying a message," Orie said. "That is particularly
true it is done without that family's consent and without sharing the proceeds
with the soldier's estate. These unscrupulous vendors are shamelessly turning a
profit from the sacrifice of our soldiers."
Orie noted that similar legislation was enacted last year in Oklahoma and
Louisiana to prohibit such conduct. Legislation is also pending in numerous
other states, as well as the United States Congress.
Senate Bill 1125 would make it a misdemeanor to publish for commercial
purposes a fallen soldier's name or image without the family's consent, and
would preserve the family's right to file a civil suit to protect their privacy
and attach any proceeds.
"I believe it is important that we protect the families of fallen soldiers
from exploitation," Orie said. "Profiting from the very individuals who died
for our security and protection is shameful," Orie said. This measure will give
military families recourse from this violation of privacy and decency."
Orie's bill now goes to the House for consideration.
Additional Information:
Veterans
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