Bill > HB2318

This bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create a new offense called "Interference with religious worship," which will be added to existing laws concerning riots and disorderly conduct. The new law defines this offense as intentionally preventing, disrupting, or materially interfering with a permitted religious worship service or access to a place of worship. This can occur by knowingly entering or remaining in a place of worship after being told to leave, thereby disrupting religious activities, or by using force, threats, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with individuals engaged in worship, or to block entry or exit from the place of worship. The bill specifies that disrupting activities by remaining after being asked to leave is a misdemeanor of the third degree, while using force, threats, or physical obstruction is a misdemeanor of the second degree. "Physical obstruction" is defined as actions that significantly impede entrance or exit, such as chaining, forming a group blockade, or using vehicles. A "place of religious worship" is defined as a building or its immediately adjacent grounds regularly used for religious services. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.