California lawmakers are advancing AB 2664, a so-called “Safe Worship Zone” measure. The bill would create a 100-foot zone around entrances and exits of houses of worship, restricting when people can approach others to protest, educate, leaflet, or display signs.
Everyone deserves to worship without fear. Threats, harassment, violence, and obstruction should never be tolerated, and California already has laws that prohibit and punish this conduct.
However, AB 2664 creates new criminal penalties that would put peaceful protesters and community advocates at risk for engaging in lawful First Amendment activity in public spaces around religious institutions.
This overreach matters because houses of worship do not only host religious services. They also host political speakers, advocacy events, community forums, political rallies, and commercial events, including events featuring:
- Foreign military personnel.
- Extremist speakers.
- Partisan political figures.
- Real estate companies involved in settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.
When that happens, community members must retain the right to peacefully protest and express disagreement in public spaces.
California can protect houses of worship without giving religious institutions special exemptions from public accountability or undermining First Amendment rights.
Tell your legislators: Vote NO on AB 2664.
