This year, four American states adopted laws introducing criminal liability for disrupting religious services. Lawmakers responded to a high-profile protest at a church in the state of Minnesota that sparked outrage among religious leaders.
The Associated Press reported the development.
In the states of Idaho, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, where Republicans dominate, the bills were signed into law. In Kansas, the bill is taking effect without the signature of Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.
Similar bills were introduced during this year’s legislative sessions in at least seven other states and in Congress. Nassau County in New York State adopted a similar measure this year. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed a law making it a federal crime to intentionally injure, obstruct, or intimidate a person entering a place of worship or a reproductive health facility.
Trespassing laws are already used to address disorderly conduct on church property or other private property. However, lawmakers say the new laws will strengthen penalties and prohibit other forms of protest activity, including displaying signs near places of worship.
The penalties may be harsher than those for trespassing. In some states, people may face up to one year in prison and fines of up to 10,000 dollars for a first offense. The laws also give states the ability to prosecute cases if local authorities refuse to do so.
Critics of the new laws, including some Republicans, warn that they violate freedom of speech. The law in Nassau County, New York, has already been challenged in court by the New York branch of the Civil Liberties Union. Advocates from the Freedom Forum point out that, in court, authorities will have to prove a real threat rather than rely on assumptions.
It should be recalled that in February, 39 people, including two journalists, entered a church during a religious service in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The protesters learned that one of the church’s pastors was also an official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who oversaw an intensive operation in Minnesota. The U.S. Department of Justice charged the protesters with conspiracy against religious freedom and interference with the right to religious freedom. The protesters and journalists pleaded not guilty. The cases are being heard in federal court.
