SACRED Act

Protection of Religious Freedom: The bill aims to protect persons lawfully exercising or seeking to exercise their First Amendment right to religious freedom at a place of religious worship (Section 2(a)).

Enhanced Physical Safety: By prohibiting conduct that causes a person to reasonably fear for their physical safety while entering or exiting a place of worship, the bill provides a layer of protection for congregants (Section 2(a)(1)).

Reduction of Harassment: The bill targets intentional harassment within 8 feet of a person seeking to exercise religious freedom, which could prevent targeted unwanted interactions (Section 2(a)(2)).

Legal Recourse for Victims: Aggrieved persons or the entities that own or operate places of worship have the right to commence civil actions for relief, including injunctive relief and damages (Section 2(c)(1)).

Federal and State Oversight: The Attorney General of the United States and State Attorneys General are empowered to commence civil actions to protect people who may be injured by prohibited conduct (Section 2(c)(2) and 2(c)(3)).

Criminal Penalties and Imprisonment: Individuals found guilty of these violations face various penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to one year for a first offense, or up to three years for subsequent offenses (Section 2(b)(1) and 2(b)(2)).

Severe Penalties for Violent Acts: If bodily injury results, the law allows for up to 10 years of imprisonment, and if death results, it allows for any term of years or life (Section 2(b)(2)).

Financial Burdens from Civil Lawsuits: Individuals or entities may be subject to civil actions seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and the costs of suit including attorney and expert witness fees (Section 2(c)(1)).