The Office of the Governor of the State of South Dakota
06/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/30/2026 14:05
Bill to Defend Freedom to Worship to Take Effect
Article Body
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
Contact: Josie Harms
Bill to Defend Freedom to Worship to Take Effect
PIERRE, S.D. - On July 1st, Governor Larry Rhoden's bill to defend the freedom to worship, SB 113, will go into effect.
"In South Dakota, we believe our rights are given to us by God - not the government. And we must do everything we can to defend our citizens' right to worship freely," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "This bill is an important step forward in protecting every South Dakotan's right to worship and ensuring bad actors cannot disrupt religious freedom."
Governor Rhoden brought forward this bill in light of the assault on religious freedom that occurred in Minnesota earlier this year. SB 113 makes 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 signed SB 113 at a signing ceremony with the bill's prime sponsors, Senator Mehlhaff and Representative Odenbach. You can find a photo of that signing here.
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