Senator Gollihare’s Legislation to Protect Worship Services from Disruption to be Heard First Week of Legislative Session

OKLAHOMA CITY – In the wake of recent harassment and disruptions at places of worship across the country, Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, announced today that his legislation to protect religious worship services will be heard on the Senate floor during the first week of the upcoming legislative session.

Senate Bill 743 is a proactive measure designed to ensure worship services can take place without intentional disruption or harassment. The bill is eligible for immediate consideration on the Senate floor after being returned from the House of Representatives as amended last year. If approved by the Senate, it will advance to the governor for consideration.

Senator Gollihare said the legislation was prompted by both national incidents and a personal experience at his own church last year.

“It’s unfortunate that we are at a point where legislation like this is necessary, but people should be able to worship in peace and without fear,” Senator Gollihare said. “I originally filed this bill after a group came to my church to harass my family and me. What began as isolated incidents has grown into a nationwide affront to those who simply want to worship peacefully. This behavior is unacceptable. It puts people in danger and turns sacred spaces into targets for intimidation. If you want to have a political conversation, I welcome it. But provoking an entire congregation is not how you make your point. Worship services are not political battlegrounds. 

Oklahoma has a long tradition of respecting faith, family and community. This bill draws a clear line: people are free to protest, but they do not have a right to invade sacred spaces and deliberately disrupt worship.”

The issue gained renewed attention over the weekend when a worship service at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, was disrupted after protesters entered the sanctuary during Sunday services. Federal authorities have since announced an investigation into the incident.

Senate Bill 743 is intended to clarify existing state law and strengthen enforcement tools to protect worship services from intentional disruption, while preserving constitutional rights to free speech and lawful protest outside of sacred spaces.

Under the bill, a first offense for willfully disturbing an assembly of religious worship would be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year. A second or subsequent offense would be classified as a felony, carrying a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to two years in prison.

The bill is scheduled to be heard during the first week of the upcoming legislative session.

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