Republican lawmakers in several states are moving to strengthen criminal penalties for individuals who disrupt religious services, following a recent incident in Minnesota in which protesters entered a church during worship and interrupted the service.
In Idaho, legislators are reviewing changes to public order statutes that would specifically include houses of worship and elevate certain disruptions from misdemeanor offenses to felony charges. The proposal would increase potential penalties, including longer jail terms and higher fines.
South Dakota’s governor has voiced support for similar legislation that would classify interference with church services as a felony, carrying the possibility of prison time and significant financial penalties.
In Ohio, Republican lawmakers have introduced a measure to raise the offense level for interrupting religious gatherings from a minor misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony.
The legislative push follows a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators entered during a service and chanted, drawing national attention. Federal authorities later brought charges against individuals tied to the disruption.
Supporters of the proposed laws argue the measures are designed to safeguard the right to worship without interference. The efforts have also prompted broader discussions about balancing religious freedom protections with First Amendment rights related to protest and speech as the bills advance through state legislatures.