(COLUMBUS) - Ohio legislators are advancing a proposal that would significantly increase penalties for disrupting religious services, elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.
House Bill 662, introduced Jan. 29 by Reps. Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) and Tex Fischer (R-Boardman), would amend Ohio law so that intentionally interfering with religious worship -- whether in person or online -- becomes a fifth-degree felony, according to NBC-4.
Currently, disturbing a religious service is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Under the proposed legislation, violators could face as much as 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
Supporters say the measure is designed to protect the constitutional right to religious freedom. Newman said the bill aims to safeguard Ohioans' ability to practice their faith without interference, while Fischer emphasized that while protests are protected speech, entering a place of worship to disrupt services crosses a legal line.
"Protesters may have constitutional rights to dissent," Fischer said, "but they do not have a right to storm into a place of worship and disrupt another American's right to freely practice their religion."
Lawmakers introduced the bill following a Jan. 18 protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, an incident that led to federal charges against some participants for interfering with religious freedom.
House Bill 662 has been referred to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee, where it awaits its first hearing. More than 20 Republican lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors.