Knott, Suozzi Introduce the Right to Worship Act to Stop Harassment at Houses of Worship

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13), alongside Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03), introduced the Right to Worship Act, a bill that would establish a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship during services and make it unlawful to knowingly disrupt those services or impede people from attending. The bill sets civil fines and authorizes individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state attorneys general to sue violators.

"Today, many Americans are unable to worship without fear of harassment, assault, or other forms of intimidation. The right to worship freely is foundational to our nation and was one of the motivations for its founding. No American should ever feel that their choice is between worshiping in fear and not worshiping at all," said Congressman Knott. "The Right to Worship Act protects peaceful speech while restoring essential protections for Americans by empowering worshipers against those who seek to intimidate them. I look forward to this bill becoming law and appreciate the many contributions made through bipartisan, bicameral work."

"Exercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir, or gurdwara," said Congressman Suozzi. "I will always stand up for people's right to protest peacefully, but attendees of religious services should not be harassed, threatened, intimidated, or targeted for practicing their faith. I am proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral Right to Worship Act that both protects free speech and the freedom to worship."

What the Bill Does

• Creates a civil prohibition against knowingly disrupting access or participation in religious services held in a house of worship.
• Establishes a buffer zone of 100 feet at a house of worship, one hour before and one hour after a scheduled services.
• For this law to be applicable, an individual or group must knowingly engage in conduct that would reasonably be known to disrupt a religious service and prevent individuals from attending.
• As such, the bill targets conduct, such as blocking doorways, loud interference that meaningfully interrupts worship, or threats that may affect or deter attendance.
• Peaceful expression through speech remains protected provided it does not impact one's religious liberties as described above

Civil Penalties and Enforcement

• Establishes a civil fine structure that increases with each offense, beginning at $2500 and up to $10,000 per violation.
• Creates a right of action for the aggrieved to seek appropriate recompense, which can include, but is not limited to injunctive relief by the court for the aforementioned behavior, monetary damages, or legal costs. State Attorney Generals may also pursue civil action on behalf of their constituents.

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

You can find the bill text here.

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