Bill to criminalize intentional disruption of worship fails to advance amid debate over scope

Representative Davis introduced House File 4095, including an author's amendment (A2) expanding coverage from worship services to the free exercise of religion. The bill would make it a gross misdemeanor for a person who enters a religious establishment with intent to interfere with the lawful exercise of religious freedom and who commits a crime in that establishment.

Gail Holmes and other testifiers recounted experiences of being disrupted in houses of worship and urged support. Supporters said the measure is narrow: it requires both intent to interfere with worship and commission of a crime in the establishment. Several supporters and members invoked recent incidents that prompted concern about congregational safety.

Opponents including Representative Curran, Representative Rehm and others argued that Minnesota already has statutes (including Minn. Stat. §609.28 and related provisions) that penalize obstruction of religious exercise and disorderly conduct, and that HF4095 risked breadth that could criminalize spontaneous outbursts or conduct that is already covered by existing law. Representative Johnson asked how intent would be proved in a momentary outburst.

A roll call produced 10 ayes and 9 nays. Under the committee's share-power agreement the bill did not pass out of committee.