New York: In response to a nationwide surge in harassment and intimidation outside religious institutions, US Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Max Miller (R-OH) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Americans' ability to safely access their places of worship.
The lawmakers unveiled the Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption (SACRED) Act on Monday during a press conference at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Surrounded by leaders from diverse faith and advocacy groups, Rep. Suozzi emphasized the urgent need to address the growing fear among constituents who face hostility simply for practicing their religion.
“No one deserves to be harassed or intimidated, especially on their way to their place of worship,” Rep. Suozzi said. “We have a responsibility to address that fear in a thoughtful, targeted way that protects our constituents while balancing the First Amendment right to peacefully protest.”
Currently, there is no dedicated federal statute explicitly protecting worshippers from harassment right at the doors of their religious institutions. If passed, the SACRED Act would establish strict federal penalties to bridge this gap.
Under the proposed legislation, it would become a federal crime to intentionally intimidate, obstruct, or harass individuals exercising their right to religious worship. Specifically, the bill prohibits:
The legislation comes at a time when communities across the country—including synagogues, churches, mosques, Hindu mandirs, and Sikh gurdwaras—have reported an unprecedented wave of aggressive demonstrations. Worshippers have frequently reported being shouted at, physically blocked from entering services, and subjected to threatening rhetoric.
