The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill on Tuesday that criminalizes disrupting a church service.
House Bill 363, sponsored by Rep. Greg Barnes, R-Curry, prohibits interrupting a worship service by participating in riots, unlawful protest or disorderly conduct.
“This is a religious protection bill that protects all religions, not just churches, synagogues, etc. And that’s a very narrowly tailored, narrowly scoped bill,” Barnes said on the House floor.
Under the bill, individuals who violate the law will be charged with a Class C felony, punishable up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
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