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After a Minnesota church protest, states are toughening penalties for disrupting services
The measures raise penalties and restrict protest activity near houses of worship, with some states allowing up to a year in prison and $10,000 fines.
- At least four states adopted laws this year making it a crime to disrupt worship services, with Republican-dominated Idaho, Louisiana, and Oklahoma passing bills while Kansas enacted legislation without Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's signature.
- The catalyst emerged when 39 people, including two journalists, were charged in February during a St. Paul, Minnesota church service after learning one pastor served as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official overseeing intensive operations.
- Oklahoma Sen. Todd Gollihare wrote his bill after anti-abortion protestors disrupted his church service last year, with restrictions within 100 feet of worship sites, while Louisiana Rep. Gabe Firment introduced forced-removal provisions after seeing videos of frightened children.
- Penalties under the new laws exceed traditional trespassing charges, reaching up to a year in prison and $10,000 fines for first offenses, while the Nassau County ordinance already faces legal challenge from the New York Civil Liberties Union.
- Critics in both parties warn the laws infringe on free speech rights, with Kevin Goldberg, vice president at Freedom Forum, stating courts would require "evidence that there's an actual threat going on" if challenged; similar bills pending in seven other states and Congress.
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Associated Press News+27 Reposted by 27 other sources
After a Minnesota church protest, states are toughening penalties for disrupting services
At least four states have adopted laws this year making it a crime to disrupt worship services, a reaction to a high-profile protest inside a Minnesota church that prompted outrage from faith leaders.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources29
Leaning Left11Leaning Right4Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Left
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
44% Left
L 44%
C 40%
R 16%
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