This week, Jewish Federations of North America joined lawmakers and faith leaders on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to advance the bipartisan Right to Worship Act, legislation that would strengthen protections for Americans seeking to worship safely and without intimidation. 

 

The legislation, led in the House by Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Brad Knott (R-NC), with a Senate companion introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), would establish a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship during religious services. The bill would prohibit conduct that knowingly hinders, deters, threatens or intimidates worshippers attempting to enter services, while preserving peaceful expression protected by the First Amendment. 

 

Jewish Federations President and CEO Eric Fingerhut joined representatives from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh organizations at a September 16 press conference on Capitol Hill to highlight the broad support for protecting the right of all Americans to practice their faith safely. 

 

“Every community deserves to gather safely in their house of worship. Too often, we've seen Jewish Americans and other faith communities targeted or intimidated simply for practicing their faith. The Right to Worship Act gives law enforcement and communities the tools they need to prevent these disruptions before they escalate, while still respecting every American's First Amendment rights. Safety and religious freedom aren't in tension; this bill shows how we can protect both,” said Fingerhut. 

 

Jewish Federations strongly support the Right to Worship Act and urges Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation to help ensure that people of every faith can gather and worship safely, without fear of harassment or intimidation.