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The Ohio General Assembly has passed legislation sponsored by Ohio House Representative Mark Johnson of Chillicothe, which would increase the penalty of disrupting a religious meeting to a first degree misdemeanor.
Johnson first introduced the bill as House Bill 504, but was later amended to Senate Bill 288, which covers a variety of criminal justice reform issues.
Currently, it is considered a fourth degree misdemeanor to “disturb a lawful meeting” in which a person prevents or interferes with any meeting of religious worship, or makes an offensive gesture or display which disturbs the group. Under the bill, such penalties would be increased to a first degree misdemeanor.
“In the last five years, we’ve realized just how vulnerable our right to practice religion is,” said Johnson. The state must take steps to ensure the First Amendment right to freedom of religion is never infringed upon, no matter the circumstance, and this bill is a strong first step.”
Additionally, provisions included in the bill would apply to in-person and online lawful gatherings. A violation is committed if the order and solemnity of an assemblage was intentionally disturbed, which can occur as a result of a gesture or display, or by using an electronic device or system in the case of an online service.
Johnson also noted during testimony that they became aware of the growing number of disruptions of religious services after eight protestors stormed into a ‘Respect Life Mass’ held at Saint Joseph Cathedral, located in downtown Columbus, in January of 2021.
Senate Bill 288 now heads to the Governor to be signed.
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