For Immediate Release: March 21, 2012
House of Worship Protection Act
Receives Senate's Initial Passing Vote

JEFFERSON CITY — A measure creating the House of Worship Protection Act was given first-round approval in the Missouri Senate today (3-21).  Senate Bill 755, sponsored by the Senate President Pro Tem, makes it a crime to disturb a house of worship if a person intentionally and unreasonably disturbs a building used for religious purposes by using profanity, rude or indecent behavior, or making noise within the house of worship or so close to the building that the services are disturbed. 

A house of worship is defined as any church, synagogue, mosque, other building or structure, or public or private place used for religious worship, religious instruction or other religion purpose. 

The legislation would also make it a crime to intentionally injure, intimidate or interfere with a person exercising the right to religious freedom or seeking access to a house of worship.

The first offense would result in a Class B misdemeanor, second is a Class A misdemeanor, and third or subsequent offense is a Class D felony.  In addition, SB 755 would allow a person who feels he or she has been unfairly treated by the prohibited conduct or a victim of the crime of institutional vandalism to bring a civil action for injunctive relief (legal alternative to monetary damages), compensatory and punitive damages, costs and attorneys’ fees.

For more information about bills moving through the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.