SACRED Act

This bill would make it a federal crime to intimidate or block people going to worship within 100 feet of a place of religious worship, or to approach and harass a person seeking to worship within 8 feet of them in that zone. Penalties would include fines and prison time, with higher limits for repeat offenses, lower limits for nonviolent conduct, and longer sentences if injury or death results. Worshippers and the owners of places of worship could sue violators for damages, including $5,000 per violation in statutory damages. The U.S. Attorney General and state attorneys general could also sue and seek civil penalties. The bill states it does not ban peaceful picketing or other expression protected by the First Amendment.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Thomas R. Suozzi Democrat sponsor
• 17 cosponsors