US lawmakers seek 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced federal legislation in the House and Senate designed to shield houses of worship from disruptive demonstrations. The "Right to Worship Act" follows a series of protests outside synagogues earlier this year.

The bill, sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), along with Reps. Brad Knott (R-North Carolina) and Tom Suozzi (D-New York), proposes establishing a 100-foot "buffer zone" around religious sites during services. This measure is similar to legislation recently passed in New York.

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The First Amendment guarantees every American the right to freely exercise their faith, and Congress has a duty to ensure that guarantee is met.

Senator Cruz stated, "The First Amendment guarantees every American the right to freely exercise their faith, and Congress has a duty to ensure that guarantee is met." The proposed legislation includes provisions for civil penalties against offenders and allows individuals, including state attorneys, to seek court orders and damages in federal court. Importantly, houses of worship would not be required to publicize their service schedules.

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No one should have to push through a hostile crowd or shout over a bullhorn in an attempt to pray.

Supporters emphasize that the bill targets disruptive conduct rather than the content of protesters' speech. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, which assisted lawmakers in drafting the legislation, commented, "No one should have to push through a hostile crowd or shout over a bullhorn in an attempt to pray." This effort follows Representative Suozzi's earlier "SACRED Act" proposal, which did not advance in the House.

Representative Suozzi added, "Exercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir, or gurdwara." The New York City Council passed a local buffer zone bill in March after pro-Palestinian protests occurred outside synagogues. While supported by many Jewish groups, some civil rights leaders expressed concerns about potential impacts on First Amendment protections.

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Exercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir, or gurdwara.