Minnesota Protest Inspires State Laws Protecting Worship: What to Know

A number of states have passed or considered laws protecting places of worship after protesters disrupting a church service in Minnesota gained national attention. Legislators in four Republican-led states have either enacted or are near finalization of legislation that creates greater penalties for persons responsible for these types of disruptions. The laws add to the Department of Justice’s efforts to prosecute such activity using the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Additional proposals have also been brought forward in several other states, at least one county in New York, and at the federal level. Here’s what to know about the changes....