Agudath Israel of America has announced its support for the bipartisan Right to Worship Act, legislation introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representatives Brad Knott (R-NC) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY). This bill aims to help ensure that Americans can safely access houses of worship. The legislation would establish a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship making it unlawful to disrupt or impede individuals seeking to attend or participate in religious worship.

“Houses of worship are sacred spaces. The Right to Worship Act helps protect Americans of all faiths by creating a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship and imposes civil penalties on those trying to disrupt or impede those gathering for religious services,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs for Agudath Israel. “Unfortunately, recent incidents in front of synagogues around the country highlight the need for additional protections. We thank Senators Cruz and Slotkin and Representatives Knott and Suozzi for sponsoring the bill and we urge Congress to advance this important piece of legislation.”