A bill aimed at protecting churches and religious services from outside disruption advanced out of the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee this week after debate over whether the measure addresses a real problem in Alabama.
House Bill 363, introduced by Representative Greg Barnes, R-Curry, would create new criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally interrupt or interfere with religious worship. Under the bill, individuals who violate the law will be charged with a Class C felony, punishable up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. As described in committee, the legislation targets outside actors who enter a church or religious gathering and cause damage or engage in harassment, disorderly conduct or rioting.
Before voting, the committee adopted a substitute version of the bill. Lawmakers said the substitute largely mirrors the original language but adds a civil component, allowing churches or religious organizations to pursue legal action against those who violate the law. Barnes said the provision was developed with input from stakeholders, including the Alabama Citizens Action Program.
Lawmakers also debated whether Alabama currently faces the type of threat outlined in the bill. Senator Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, questioned the legislation’s purpose and relevancy. Barnes described the measure as preemptive.
“We don’t want to have it, but in the event we do, we want to make sure we have everything in place to address it, should that occur. Hopefully it never will, but we want to have everything in place,” said Barnes.
Hatcher expressed concern that the legislation was “far too close to theocracy” and criticized what he characterized as virtue signaling and boilerplate legislation addressing problems the state does not currently face. The lawmaker said they would vote no, arguing the Legislature should focus on more pressing issues.
During the discussion, Senator Linda Coleman-Madison sought clarification about whether the bill would apply to disputes among church members. Barnes said the measure is directed at outside individuals who intentionally disrupt worship services. Internal disputes among members or guests would not fall under the bill’s provisions, though bringing in outside individuals with the intent to cause disruption could.
Coleman-Madison noted that internal church conflicts sometimes escalate but suggested the legislature should be more deliberative in addressing existing problems rather than preparing for hypothetical ones.
“I will say, as far as looking at things that might happen… I really wish this body would be more deliberative, and looking at trying to find solutions to problems, and there are numerous that we have in this state that we can solve, instead of looking for a problem, having a solution for a problem that we don’t have, rather,” said Coleman-Madison.
Senator Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, pointed to violent incidents in other states as justification. Albritton referenced an attack in Minnesota in which a vehicle was driven into a church during Sunday services, followed by violence involving gasoline and gunfire. The lawmaker said such threats are real and can result in death and serious harm, and that the state has a responsibility to be prepared.
After debate, the committee voted to give HB363 a favorable report, advancing it to the next stage of consideration in the Senate.
