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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Announces Bill to Defend Religious Freedom

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the introduction of a bill to defend religious freedom, SB 113, with prime sponsors Senator Mehlhaff and Representative Odenbach.

"Religious freedom is the bedrock of our nation, and we will continue to safeguard every South Dakotan's right to worship freely," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "South Dakota will always be a state that doesn't just talk about freedom - we take action when freedom is threatened."

Earlier this week, the freedom of religion came under assault in Minnesota, underscoring the need to prevent a similar event from happening in South Dakota.

SB 113would make disrupting religious worship in South Dakota a felony, creating stronger consequences for anyone who interferes with religious freedoms and encouraging worshippers to gather without fear.

Governor Rhoden made this announcement at a press conference alongside the prime sponsors, Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, and Reverend Will Graham. You can find a photo here.

"I appreciate the Governor taking leadership on this important legislation," said Senator Mehlhaff. "This bill will send a message to those out-of-state agitators, that if they come to South Dakota, they should plan to stay a while."

"I think every good South Dakotan was appalled to take a look at what went on with the intimidation of Christians over in Minnesota," said Representative Odenbach. "If you are coming [to church] to do communist agitation, then the law in South Dakota is going to be there to bring you to justice."

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