- Feb 5, 2002
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The large protest that erupted inside a Minnesota church earlier this year led to high-profile arrests and federal charges, and it also prompted tougher legislation.
Lawmakers in several states have moved to tighten penalties for disrupting worship services. Idaho, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kansas have enacted laws to protect churches and other houses of worship from interference, while similar bills have been introduced in at least seven other states. Alabama and South Dakota are among the states that have considered related legislation. Nassau County, New York, has adopted a local measure addressing disruptions near houses of worship. Critics say some of these measures could raise free speech concerns.
In January, a group protesting immigration enforcement actions in the Twin Cities disrupted worship at Cities Church in St. Paul after learning that a church staff member was also a local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official.
As protesters chanted slogans and waved signs, parishioners, including young children, huddled in fear. Afterward, the Southern Baptist Convention congregation condemned the disruption as “shameful” and “unlawful.”
Continued below.
churchleaders.com
Lawmakers in several states have moved to tighten penalties for disrupting worship services. Idaho, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kansas have enacted laws to protect churches and other houses of worship from interference, while similar bills have been introduced in at least seven other states. Alabama and South Dakota are among the states that have considered related legislation. Nassau County, New York, has adopted a local measure addressing disruptions near houses of worship. Critics say some of these measures could raise free speech concerns.
In January, a group protesting immigration enforcement actions in the Twin Cities disrupted worship at Cities Church in St. Paul after learning that a church staff member was also a local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official.
As protesters chanted slogans and waved signs, parishioners, including young children, huddled in fear. Afterward, the Southern Baptist Convention congregation condemned the disruption as “shameful” and “unlawful.”
Continued below.
Protesters Stormed a Church. Now States Are Criminalizing Worship Disruptions.
New laws in several states increase penalties for disrupting worship services. Learn what church protest laws mean for pastors, congregations, and religious freedom.
churchleaders.com
