CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Protests by an anti-gay group near the funeral of Army Capt. Jonathan Grassbaugh in Hampstead last month have inspired a last-minute effort to ban demonstrations near funerals.

The ban was added as an amendment to an unrelated bill, establishing a New Hampshire Medal of Honor, that is working its way through the Legislature.

It’s similar to a national law passed last year that requires demonstrators to remain at least 500 feet away from mourners in national cemeteries. Maine Gov. John Baldacci signed a similar bill last week.

Several members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church picketed in the center of Hampstead, down the road from St. Anne’s Catholic Church, where Grassbaugh’s funeral Mass was held April 18.

The group, which says the deaths of American soldiers in Iraq are God’s punishment for tolerating homosexuality, often greets funeral-goers with signs and taunts.