Oklahoma has passed Senate Bill 743 to protect religious services from intentional disruptions. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, and Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, has been praised by Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The bill was prompted in part by a recent incident in Minnesota where protesters entered a church during services, as per the Attorney General's Office release.
Under the law, disturbing a religious assembly for the first time carries a penalty of up to $500 or one year in county jail. Repeat offenses are considered a felony, with fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
Senate Bill 743 passed the Senate with a 31-15 vote and previously cleared the House. It now awaits the Governor’s signature. Attorney General Drummond stated that the law provides protections for religious communities while maintaining constitutional rights to free speech and lawful protest.
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