In the United States, lawmakers have introduced a new bill to better protect places of worship, especially as threats and harassment against religious communities continue to rise.
The proposed law is called the SACRED Act. It was introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Representative Tom Suozzi.
The bill aims to make it a federal crime to harass, threaten, or interfere with people near temples, mosques, churches, synagogues, gurdwaras, and other religious sites.
This legislation is especially important for minority faith communities such as Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and Sikhs, who have increasingly faced threats and attacks near their places of worship.
Under the proposed law:
- First-time offenders could face fines or up to one year in prison
- Repeat offenders could face stronger punishment, including up to three years in prison
The bill also gives victims the right to file civil lawsuits against offenders.
In addition, the United States Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney General would have the authority to seek court orders to stop harmful actions and request compensation for damages.
Supporters of the bill say it is necessary because hate crimes and religiously motivated violence have increased in recent years across the United States.
Lawmakers say the goal is to protect both public safety and the constitutional right to religious freedom, ensuring that all communities can worship peacefully without fear.
If passed, the SACRED Act could become an important step in strengthening protections for religious minorities across the country.