California Legislature approves Safe Worship Zone Act, now awaiting Newsom’s stamp
The act was authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and sponsored by Jewish California, ADL, JCRC Bay Area, and Jewish Federation LA.
California's House of Representatives has recently passed the Safe Worship Zone Act, which will soon come before Governor Gavin Newsom for approval. The bill creates a 100-foot buffer zone around entrances to places of worship, preventing anyone from approaching congregants within eight feet without consent. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, received unanimous support from the Senate and a majority in the Assembly.
Similar to Colorado's bubble zone law, which has withstood Supreme Court scrutiny, the Safe Worship Zone Act aims to protect citizens from harassment and intimidation while preserving their constitutional rights. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support, emphasizing that every Californian should be able to visit their place of worship in peace.
The California branch of the Council on Arab and Islamic Relations (CAIR) opposed the bill, arguing that it could put peaceful protesters and community activists in danger by restricting lawful First Amendment activities near religious institutions. Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the legislation.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
