HB 2318
An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of interference with religious worship.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a new offense in Pennsylvania law called ‘interference with religious worship.’ It defines this offense as knowingly entering or remaining in a place of religious worship after being asked to leave, or using force, threats, or physical obstruction to disrupt or interfere with religious activities. Violations will be graded as either a third-degree or second-degree misdemeanor, depending on the specific actions taken.
Key provisions
- Defines the offense of ‘interference with religious worship.’
- Prohibits entering a place of worship after being lawfully asked to leave.
- Criminalizes using force, threats, or physical obstruction to disrupt religious activities.
- Specifies that ‘physical obstruction’ includes actions like chaining or blocking entrances.
- Defines ‘place of religious worship’ as a regularly used building or grounds for religious services.
- Grading of offenses: (1) entering after being asked is a third-degree misdemeanor, (2) using force/threats/obstruction is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Who is affected
- Religious institutions
- Individuals participating in religious worship
- Individuals who disrupt religious worship
- Law enforcement
- The general public
Notable changes
- Introduces a new specific crime related to interfering with religious worship.
- Clarifies what constitutes ‘physical obstruction’ in the context of disrupting religious services.
Sponsors
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