Bipartisan bill targets protests that disrupt worship services

Republicans and Democrats in the House are teaming up to propose legislation that would criminalize protests that interfere with religious services within a defined perimeter.

In an unusual display of cross-party cooperation, House members Brad Knott (R-NC) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) have drafted legislation that would make it a criminal act to knowingly impede worshippers at a religious service. The bill defines the prohibited zone as any area within 100 feet of a pedestrian or vehicular entryway to a house of worship, covering the hour before and after a scheduled service. Violations would incur a civil penalty of $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third.

Demonstrations that hold a federal, state, or local permit are excluded, and the language targets the volume, duration, and impact of the disruption, preserving First Amendment protections. Knott emphasized that fear of harassment should not prevent Americans from worshiping, while Suozzi said peaceful protest is allowed but should not intimidate congregants. The proposal follows similar state laws adopted earlier this year after a Minnesota church service was disrupted by demonstrators.