Congress is currently weighing a new legislative proposal that aims to establish 100-foot “buffer zones” around places of worship, turning it into a federal offense to disrupt individuals practicing their faith.
Introduced by Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi from Long Island and Republican Representative Max Miller from Ohio, this bill targets those who might come within 8 feet of a worshipper with the intention to “intimidate or obstruct” their right to freely practice their religion within the designated buffer zones surrounding any religious site.
Under the “Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption Act” — known as the “SACRED Act” — first-time violators could face up to a year in prison, while repeat offenders might receive sentences of up to three years.
For those committing a first-time non-violent offense, penalties could include a fine of up to $10,000 along with a six-month jail term.
Repeat offenses could lead to fines reaching $25,000 and imprisonment for up to 18 months.
In cases where a congregant is seriously injured or assaulted, the perpetrator could face up to a decade behind bars.
Suozzi, whose district includes Nassau County’s North Shore and parts of neighboring Queens with a considerable population of devout Jews, said something must be done amid the rise in antisemitism and ugly, confrontational protests outside synagogues.
The New York City Council passed a similar measure to protect congregants following an unruly protest outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan but Mayor Zohran Mamdani has yet to act on the bill.
“People are really scared,” Suozzi said.
“I hear it from Jews. I hear it from Muslims. I hear it from Sikhs.”
“We’re trying to strike a balance between people’s First Amendment right to protest and people’s First Amendment right to worship,” he added.
“I’m trying to use common sense and be responsible in addressing a serious problem.”
Miller said every American “deserves to practice their faith free from fear, intimidation, or harassment.”
“The SACRED Act ensures that people can access their place of worship safely and without obstruction, while still preserving First Amendment protections for peaceful expression,” he said.
“This commonsense legislation draws a clear line: intimidation and threats have no place in our communities.”
Suozzi believes the bill, which is expected to face opposition from civil libertarians, will pass legal muster because it was drafted in consultation with constitutional experts.
The bill punishes bad conduct, not free speech, he said.
Federal prosecutors and the state attorneys general can initiate civil proceedings against harassers under the bill.
Groups endorsing the bill include: the Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.
