More than two dozen religious leaders representing a number of faiths stood together at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center last week as U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi called for passage of federal legislation intended to protect people from intimidation and harassment at religious services.
Suozzi highlighted the bipartisan, bicameral Right to Worship Act at a Sept. 9 news conference at the center in Glen Cove.
Alan Mindel, chairman of HMTC’s board of directors, said that protecting religious freedom is central to the organization’s mission. “This bill grants necessary protections to houses of worship so as to protect the constitutional rights of freedom of religion granted to all Americans,” Mindel said. “In the current climate, where people have been obstructed from entering their house of worship, this new law will allow each American, regardless of faith, to freely enter their church, synagogue or mosque for their constitutionally protected right to pray, without obstruction or harassment.”
Suozzi said that people should not have to put themselves at risk simply to practice their faith.
“Exercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir or gurdwara,” he said.
The legislation would establish a 100-foot zone around pedestrian and vehicular entrances to houses of worship, beginning one hour before a scheduled service and ending an hour afterward. Within that area, conduct intended to hinder, deter, threaten or intimidate people attending services would be prohibited. Peaceful expression protected by the First Amendment would remain protected.
Violations would carry civil penalties, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for repeat offenses. The measure would also allow affected worshippers to pursue civil action, and permit the U.S. attorney general and state attorneys general to bring cases against violators.
The Right to Worship Act grew out of Suozzi’s SACRED Act — Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption — which he introduced in April, and which included criminal penalties. Negotiations over the legislation, he said, centered on balancing two constitutional rights, freedom of speech and freedom of worship.
“Finding a balance between the two is a real challenge,” he said. “It’s why it hasn’t been done — it’s why it’s been controversial.”
Suozzi eventually joined Republican Rep. Brad Knott, of North Carolina, to develop a single proposal that could attract broader support. The House legislation is accompanied by a Senate measure backed by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, of Texas, and Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin, of Michigan.
“You shouldn’t have to show courage to go attend your religious services,” Suozzi said.
Brandi Katz Rubin, the Anti-Defamation League’s New York/New Jersey deputy regional director, said that harassment at houses of worship has made such protections increasingly important. “No one should have to push through a hostile crowd, shout over a bullhorn or endure targeted threats while simply trying to enter a house of worship and pray,” Katz Rubin said.
The ADL, she added, recorded nearly 530 incidents of antisemitic harassment at synagogues nationwide in 2025, along with dozens of protest-related incidents.
According to Suozzi, there was discussion of moving the legislation through the Senate as early as this month. If that doesn’t happen, he said supporters could pursue passage during the lame-duck session in November or December.
“We really want to get it done this year,” he said, citing momentum from religious organizations and lawmakers in both parties.
