US EditionAfter Minnesota church protest, some states move to crack down on disruptions
Several states propose or enact laws raising penalties and establishing buffer zones to prevent disruptions at worship services following a Minnesota protest last month.
- Following a recent incident at a Minnesota church, lawmakers in Alabama, Idaho, Ohio and South Dakota proposed laws to increase penalties for disrupting worship services, lawmakers said.
- Advocates in Alabama advanced a bill this month to make disrupting worship services a felony, with higher penalties and buffer zones proposed by New York officials, and the Alabama committee approving a felony for intentional disruptions.
- The Oklahoma measure draws directly on a 2000 U.S. Supreme Court decision to shape its buffer provisions.
- Critics warn the measures could infringe First Amendment rights, as some proposals have faced resistance or modification, like a South Dakota bill backed by the governor that was defeated in the House.
- Legal experts say these state laws could face court challenges, testing the FACE Act , as enforcement is complicated.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Hanford Sentinel
After Minnesota church protest, states move to crack down on disruptions
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