LA SB306

Creates a new Louisiana crime of obstruction of freedom of worship, prohibiting use of force, threats, physical obstruction, or intentional injury to interfere with persons exercising religious freedom at churches or places of worship

Criminalizes intentionally damaging church property, denying attendees freedom of movement or ingress/egress, refusing to leave when requested by clergy during disruptive activity, and knowingly financing or providing material support to those engaging in such disruptions

First offense punishable by fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months; second or subsequent offense carries fine up to $25,000 and imprisonment of 1-18 months with or without hard labor

Offenses resulting in bodily injury carry up to 10 years imprisonment with hard labor, regardless of whether it is a first or subsequent offense

Mirrors federal protections under 18 U.S.C. §248 to enable state-level enforcement and references Louisiana's 2023 constitutional amendment declaring freedom of worship a fundamental right worthy of the highest order of protection