FRANKFORT, Ky. (WCHS) — A protest inside a Minnesota church that made national headlines last month has prompted an Eastern Kentucky lawmaker to push for stronger protections for places of worship in the Bluegrass State.
Representative Mitch Whitaker, R-Whitesburg, has introduced a bill aimed at increasing penalties for disrupting a religious service.
“Currently our Kentucky laws are not strong enough,” Whitaker said. “It’s trespassing in the third degree, which is what would apply to most of these church protest violations. It’s really a slap on the wrist. It’s equivalent to a traffic citation.”
Whitaker said his proposal would elevate the offense to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a possible $500 fine and up to one year in jail. While federal laws already address disruptions of religious services, he said the bill would give local officials the authority to prosecute such cases.
“This bill is specifically for people with the intent to disrupt the service,” Whitaker said. “Intent is the key part of this.”
Whitaker added that area ministers, including his own pastor, helped shape the bill.
“It’s necessary as a deterrent, just like many of our laws,” said Rose Hill Baptist Church Pastor Matt Shamblin.
Shamblin said he supports the legislation, emphasizing that worship services should be protected from disruption regardless of denomination.
“This is an issue that says when we gather together for worship, which we believe is foundational to being an American, we have rights endowed by our creator that have to be protected,” Shamblin said. “Though we may disagree on different issues, there are certain things we must hold sacred and protect.”
Whitaker said the bill is expected to be assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
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