2006 Code of Virginia § 18.2-418 - Declaration of policy

18.2-418. Declaration of policy.

It is hereby declared that the protection and preservation of the home is thekeystone of democratic government; that the public health and welfare and thegood order of the community require that members of the community enjoy intheir homes a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy, and whenabsent from their homes carry with them the sense of security inherent in theassurance that they may return to the enjoyment of their homes; that thepractice of picketing before or about residences and dwelling places causesemotional disturbance and distress to the occupants; that such practice hasas its object the harassing of such occupants; and without resort to suchpractice, full opportunity exists, and under the terms and provisions of thisarticle will continue to exist, for the exercise of freedom of speech andother constitutional rights; and that the provisions hereinafter enacted arenecessary in the public interest, to avoid the detrimental results herein setforth.

(Code 1950, 18.1-367.1; 1970, c. 711; 1975, cc. 14, 15.)