Suozzi introduces Right to Worship Act

Congressman Tom Suozzi and Congressman Brad Knott, along with Senators Ted Cruz and Elissa Slotkin, introduced the Right to Worship Act in the House and the Senate, to establish a 100‑foot, protest‑free buffer zone around houses of worship during religious services, making it unlawful to knowingly disrupt or impede people from attending. 

This law would impose civil fines for violations and authorize individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state attorneys general to sue violators. Peaceful expression protected by the First Amendment is excluded from the bill’s prohibited activities. 

The Right to Worship Act would create a civil prohibition against “conduct that unreasonably hinders or deters a person from entering a house of worship, or that threatens or intimidates a person, in a manner that prevents participation at a scheduled religious service.” For the law to apply, an individual or group must “knowingly” engage in this conduct, meaning “that the person is aware or reasonably should be aware that the person’s conduct will cause such disruption or impediment.” 

The Right to Worship Act would establish a civil fine structure that increases with each offense. To ensure impacted worshippers are able to seek appropriate recourse, the bill creates a right of action which can include injunctive relief, monetary damages, and legal costs.