A new South Dakota law increasing penalties for disrupting religious services takes effect July 1.
Senate Bill 113 makes it a felony to intentionally interfere with a religious worship service. The measure was introduced at the request of Governor Larry Rhoden.
In a statement, Rhoden said the law is aimed at protecting the right of South Dakotans to worship freely and preventing disruptions by what he called “bad actors.”
State officials say the legislation strengthens legal protections for religious congregations. The bill was signed into law earlier this year and takes effect today.
