Kol Ami News

In the wake of sometimes-boisterous protests near churches and synagogues, the Utah House has overwhelmingly passed a bill that would make it easier for law enforcement to intervene on behalf of faith groups.

Introduced by Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, HB271 would update existing Utah law to disallow people from preventing or “substantially” disrupting a lawful gathering — be it by use of force, violence or the threat of violence. The measure would also disallow individuals from blocking anyone from entering or leaving a building where a gathering is taking place, or hindering that meeting through “the use of excessive sound.”

MacPherson said the bill, which now awaits Senate action, represents a response to concerns raised by members of various churches and synagogues regarding demonstrators — in particular those protesting Israel’s attacks on Gaza — interrupting funerals, weddings and regular worship services primarily through noise.

Rabbi Samuel Spector of Salt Lake City’s Congregation Kol Ami is among those who have been frustrated by the limits put on law enforcement to protect worshippers from harassment.

The faith leader described a recent incident in which an individual drove onto the synagogue’s property and began shouting obscenities at those walking across the parking lot. Congregants brought the license plate number and a description of the harasser to the police, only to learn that there was not enough to charge the person.

“That kind of behavior intimidates people,” Spector said, “who then don’t come back because they’re scared.”

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