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Senate panel advances 'Safe Worship Zone' bill to create buffer and limit close‑in harassment
Summary
AB 26 64 would create an 8‑foot personal buffer within a 100‑foot zone around houses of worship to prevent in‑your‑face harassment of worshipers; supporters said it protects congregants from intimidation, while the ACLU and CAIR warned of First Amendment and public‑forum concerns.
Assemblymember Bauer‑Kahan presented AB 26 64, the "Safe Worship Zone Act," which would allow lawful protest and speech within 100 feet of a house of worship but prohibit approaching within 8 feet of someone entering or exiting a facility so congregants can access services without harassment.
Representatives from the Anti‑Defamation League and Jewish California described recent incidents outside synagogues—yelling, smoke bombs, and in some cases interference with school pick‑up—and urged the committee to protect access to worship. "This bill does not ban peaceful political expression, but rather is intended to ensure that worshipers can safely exercise their right to pray," Robert Treston of the ADL said.
Opponents, including the ACLU and CAIR, argued the 100‑foot zone would sweep broadly across public sidewalks and curb traditional public‑forum speech, citing Supreme Court precedent that requires a substantial evidentiary record to justify such floating buffers. CAIR warned the bill risks chilling lawful protest and civic engagement.
Committee members debated the proper definition of "place of worship" and whether driveways and parking‑lot entrances should be included; senators expressed interest in further refinement but voted to pass the bill to Appropriations.
