What does Preamble of SACRED Act do?

This bill proposes to amend Title 18, United States Code, to prohibit harassment of individuals exercising or seeking to exercise their First Amendment right of religious freedom. The prohibition applies to harassment occurring at a place of religious worship. The harassment must occur within 100 feet or closer to the place of religious worship.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SACRED Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption Act, also known as the SACRED Act.

What does FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO PLACES OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. of SACRED Act do?

This section amends Title 18 of the United States Code to add Section 251, concerning freedom of access to places of religious worship. It prohibits conduct within 100 feet of a place of religious worship intended to intimidate or obstruct passage, or to harass individuals exercising religious freedom within 8 feet. Penalties for violations include fines, imprisonment (up to one year for a first offense, three years for subsequent offenses), and increased penalties for offenses involving bodily injury or death. The law establishes civil remedies, allowing aggrieved individuals to sue for injunctive relief, compensatory, and punitive damages, including statutory damages of $5,000 per violation. State and the U.S. Attorney General can also initiate civil actions to enforce the law, with potential civil penalties. The law clarifies that it does not prohibit peaceful demonstrations and does not preempt state or local laws. The section defines key terms such as 'obstruct,' 'intimidate,' 'harass,' and 'place of religious worship'.

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SACRED Act

Last updated: 4/9/2026 · Introduced: 4/9/2026

Author: Thomas Suozzi (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

The SACRED Act establishes a federal law prohibiting harassment and obstruction of access within 100 feet of a place of religious worship.
Individuals harmed by violations of this law can pursue civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, compensatory, punitive, and statutory damages.
The law clarifies that it does not restrict peaceful demonstrations or preempt existing state and local laws regarding religious freedom.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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