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Johnson, Carfagna Introduce Religious Worship Protection Bill

February 8, 2022
Mark Johnson News

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) and Rick Carfagna (R-Genoa Township) today provided sponsor testimony on House Bill 504, legislation which would increase the penalty for disrupting a religious meeting to a first degree misdemeanor. 

“In the last few years, we’ve realized just how vulnerable our right to practice religion is,” said Johnson. “The state must take steps to ensure the First Amendment right to freedom of religion is never infringed upon, no matter the circumstances, and this bill is a strong first step.” 

Currently, it is a considered a fourth degree misdemeanor for “disturbing a lawful meeting” in which a person prevents or interferes with any meeting of religious worship, or makes an offensive gesture or display which disturbs the group. Under the bill, such penalties would be increased to a first degree misdemeanor.  

Additionally, provisions included in the bill would apply to in-person and online lawful gatherings. A violation is committed if the order and solemnity of an assemblage was intentionally disturbed, which can occur as a result of a gesture or display or by using an electronic device or system in the case of an online service. 

The bill sponsors also noted during testimony that they became aware of the growing number of disruptions of religious services after eight protestors stormed into a ‘Respect Life Mass’ held at St. Joseph Cathedral, located in downtown Columbus, in January of 2021. 

The bill now awaits additional hearings in the House Criminal Justice Committee.