Lawmakers Propose Federal Buffer Zone Legislation to Protect Religious Institutions
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Representative Brad Knott (R-NC), and Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY) are set to introduce the Right to Worship Act, a federal bill aimed at establishing a 100-foot buffer zone around religious institutions. This legislation seeks to prohibit activities that disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship during services. The bill is a response to increasing concerns over violent demonstrations, particularly those with anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments, occurring outside synagogues and other religious sites. The proposed legislation includes provisions for fines and allows impacted individuals, the Department of Justice, or state attorneys general to file lawsuits under the statute. The bill also aims to protect non-disruptive First Amendment activities. 
