Missouri City Institutes Protest Limits Aimed At Westboro Baptist Church

A St. Louis suburb is aiming to put a stop to hate-driven protests like the ones made famous by the Westboro Baptist Church.

The Webster Groves City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday banning protesters from picketing within 300 feet of a funeral or burial site during and directly before or after a service, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Webster Groves is one of many communities attempting to thwart the offensive protests by groups like Westboro. In 2012, another St. Louis suburb -- Manchester, Mo. -- got an official ruling from the federal appeals court allowing the city to limit funeral protesters. In North Carolina, lawmakers passed legislation aimed at preventing funeral protesters in February.

Despite being known for its controversial protests, Westboro has failed in some of its recent demonstrations.

In December, the group announced plans to protest the vigils for victims of the Newtown tragedy, though the protest was ultimately blocked. The group mounted a protest during President Barack Obama's second inauguration, but it had a weak turnout.