Pro Tem Paxton, Sen. Gollihare Comment on Governor Stitt Signing Bill to Protect Places of Worship

OKLAHOMA CITY - Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, today commended Governor Kevin Stitt for signing Senate Bill 743, legislation that increases penalties for individuals who intentionally disrupt worship services. 

“I applaud Governor Stitt for taking this seriously and signing this as soon as it got to his desk,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “No one should face harassment, feel threatened or be intimidated by groups who are intentionally trying to disrupt a worship service, like what happened in Minnesota recently, or last year at Sen. Gollihare’s church. The right to peacefully assemble is a cornerstone of American democracy. I am a staunch believer in freedom of speech, but that doesn’t mean freedom from consequences.”

Senate Bill 743 creates enhanced penalties for unlawful disruption of a worship service, including up to a $500 fine or up to one year in county jail for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense is a felony punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to two years in prison, or both. Under the legislation, protesters within 100 feet of a place of worship must maintain at least eight feet of distance from individuals entering or exiting, unless consent to approach is given.

“Governor Stitt’s signature on this legislation sends a clear message - Oklahomans can worship without fear of disruption,” Sen. Gollihare said. “I appreciate the governor for making this a priority and making it the first piece of legislation he signed in the 2026 Legislative Session. No one should be faced with what my family and fellow parishioners went through. We should all be able to worship in peace."

Senate Bill 743 took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

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