                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DECLARATION OF POLICY (§ 18.2-418)

It is hereby declared that the protection and preservation of the home is the
keystone of democratic government; that the public health and welfare and the
good order of the community require that members of the community enjoy in their
homes a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy, and when absent from
their homes carry with them the sense of security inherent in the assurance that
they may return to the enjoyment of their homes; that the practice of picketing
before or about residences and dwelling places causes emotional disturbance and
distress to the occupants; that such practice has as its object the harassing of
such occupants; and without resort to such practice, full opportunity exists,
and under the terms and provisions of this article will continue to exist, for
the exercise of freedom of speech and other constitutional rights; and that the
provisions hereinafter enacted are necessary in the public interest, to avoid
the detrimental results herein set forth.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 18.1-367.1; 1970, c. 711; 1975, cc. 14, 15.