Overview
- The Right to Worship Act was filed in both the House and Senate on Thursday, Aug. 6, by Sens. Ted Cruz and Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Tom Suozzi and Brad Knott.
- The bill would bar disruptive protests within 100 feet of any house of worship during a window reported as one hour before to one hour after scheduled services.
- Enforcement would rely on civil penalties rather than criminal charges, with reporting that fines would start at $2,500 and rise for repeat violations and allow state officials or private plaintiffs to seek federal relief.
- Supporters include major faith and advocacy groups such as the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Islamic Society of North America and the Hindu American Foundation.
- Legal risks and timing threaten the measure’s prospects because courts have already blocked a similar Nassau County law and Congress faces an August recess and a heated midterm calendar.