Bill > SB287

This bill adds a new section to Maryland criminal law that specifically prohibits interfering with access to or egress from a religious facility. The bill defines a "religious facility" broadly to include places of worship, cemeteries, religious schools, educational facilities, community centers, and their adjacent grounds. Under this proposed law, it would be illegal for anyone (except the facility's chief executive officer, their designee, facility agents, or law enforcement) to intentionally prevent someone from entering or leaving a religious facility by physically detaining, obstructing, impeding, or hindering their passage. The bill does not restrict speech and maintains that any violation would be considered a misdemeanor, potentially resulting in up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. This legislation appears designed to protect religious institutions and their members from physical impediments or harassment that might prevent them from freely accessing their facilities, and it mirrors similar existing protections for medical facilities in Maryland law. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0287?ys=2025RS