Legislation safeguards Tennesseans’ religious liberty in wake of Cities Church protest in Minnesota
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, has introduced legislation to protect people of faith in Tennessee from disruptions of religious gatherings.
House Bill 2065 would create a Class A misdemeanor for disrupting a religious assembly by designating the offense as aggravated criminal trespass. Todd filed House Bill 2065 following nationwide outrage after protesters opposing federal immigration enforcement disrupted a Christian worship service at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minn., on Jan. 18.
“Any group that storms a church to scream at worshippers, including children, tramples on the religious freedom of every American,” said Todd. “This legislation defends Tennesseans’ fundamental right to worship freely by cracking down on unlawful disruptions of religious assemblies, ensuring we remain a beacon of liberty for all residents.”
The protesters screamed chants, yelled at congregants and blocked people from getting to their children in the childcare area, according to an affidavit filed by an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Protestors taunted children, with one telling them their parents are “Nazis” who were “going to burn in hell,” the affidavit said.
Protesters accused one of the pastors of Cities Church of working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DHS arrested three leaders of the planned protest on federal charges.
The Volunteer State consistently ranks among the best in the nation for protecting the religious liberties of residents.
State Rep. Chris Todd represents District 73 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes most of Madison County.
1 thought on “Rep. Chris Todd proposes protections for church services, religious gatherings”
Chris,
If I can help you in any way get in touch. Have a blessed day.