SACRED Act: US bipartisan bill shields Hindu temples, places of worship from harassment
A bipartisan bill introduced in the US Congress seeks to make it a federal crime to harass or intimidate worshippers near places of worship, including Hindu mandirs, synagogues, mosques, and churches, as lawmakers cite a documented rise in threats to faith communities across the country. The Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption (SACRED) Act was introduced by Representative Tom Suozzi and co-led by Representative Max Miller, drawing support from a broad coalition of religious advocacy groups.
What the SACRED Act Proposes
The legislation would criminalise any attempt to intimidate, obstruct, or harass individuals within 100 feet of a place of worship. Under the proposal, first-time offenders could face fines or up to one year in prison, while repeat offenders could face penalties of up to three years in prison. The bill also grants victims the right to file civil cases, and empowers authorities — including the US Attorney General — to seek injunctions and damages. Crucially, the legislation explicitly preserves the right to peaceful protest under the First Amendment.
Why the Bill Was Introduced
Supporters say there is currently no specific federal law protecting individuals from harassment at the entrances of places of worship — a gap the SACRED Act aims to fill. The Hindu American Foundation cited a
