Introduction

In July 2026, Representatives Brad Knott (R‑NC) and Tom Suozzi (D‑NY) introduced a bipartisan measure that would make it a federal crime to knowingly disrupt or impede attendance at a religious service. The legislation, often referred to as the Right to Worship Act, seeks to create a protective buffer around houses of worship while preserving Constitutionally‑guaranteed free‑speech rights.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill defines a 100‑foot zone surrounding any pedestrian or vehicular entryway of a place of worship. Within this zone, demonstrations are prohibited during the period beginning one hour before a scheduled service and ending one hour after it concludes. Violations would trigger civil penalties of $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third.

Importantly, the legislation carves out an exemption for demonstrations that have obtained a federal, state, or local government permit. By focusing on the volume, duration, and impact of a protest rather than its content, the bill aims to respect the First Amendment while preventing intimidation and harassment of worshippers.

Why Federal Action Is Needed

Existing federal law, such as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, addresses interference with religious gatherings only when force or physical obstruction is involved. Prosecutors have found it difficult to prove “intimidation” or “interference” under that standard, leaving many disruptive protests unpunished. Recent incidents—such as the January 2025 disturbance at Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue and the January 2026 upheaval at a Minnesota church—demonstrated the limits of state enforcement and highlighted the need for a uniform federal response.

The new buffer‑zone approach shifts deterrence from an ex‑post to an ex‑ante model. By keeping demonstrators at arm’s length before they can cause harm, the bill reduces the risk of escalation into violence and sends a clear message that harassment of faith communities will not be tolerated.

Balancing Religious Freedom and Free Speech

The legislation aligns with longstanding legal principles that allow time, place, and manner restrictions on speech when they serve a substantial government interest and are content‑neutral. By restricting protests based on proximity and timing rather than viewpoint, the bill preserves the core protections of the First Amendment while safeguarding the free‑exercise right to worship.

State and local governments have already taken steps, with at least four states enacting similar laws earlier in 2026. However, a federal standard ensures that all Americans, regardless of location, can attend services without fear of intimidation.

Conclusion

The Right to Worship Act represents a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation to address a growing threat to religious liberty. By establishing clear, enforceable buffer zones and modest civil penalties, the bill protects worshippers, supports social‑justice values, and respects constitutional free speech. As the legislation moves through Congress, it offers a promising path toward a safer, more respectful public sphere for faith communities across the nation.