Alabama Senate Committee advances bill to protect houses of worship from disruption by protestors

March 3, 2026 – MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government voted to give a favorable report to legislation to protect worship services from disruption by protestors.

House Bill 363 (HB363) is sponsored by State Representative Greg Barnes (R-Jasper).

Rep. Barnes explained that the bill would serve as a deterrent to serve notice to persons who might do this In the state.

The bill was motivated after a shocking protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota on place on January 18, 2026. Dozens of loud, angry leftwing protesters entered the church during a Sunday service, chanting "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good." The protest targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who also served as acting director of the ICE St. Paul field office. Federal charges were later brought against protesters and two journalists who were present, including Don Lemon.

Senator Chris Elliott (R-Daphne) said that there is a substitute version of the bill.

Elliott said that, "It (the substitute) does add some language that there is some civil recourse as well."

Elliott said that he and Barnes worked on the substitute with the ALCAP (the Alabama Citizens Action Program).

HB363 establishes the crime of "disruption of a worship service." Under the bill, an individual commits the offense if they enter a church building and intentionally disrupt a service by engaging in riotous behavior, unlawful protest, disorderly conduct, or harassment of worshippers. The bill also applies to individuals who enter church property adjacent to a service with the intent to obstruct ingress or egress.

Senator Greg Albriton (R-Atmore) said, "Since this creates a new crime this usually comes through Judiciary," (Committee).

Elliott responded, "Every one of these things occur in a municipality or a county so this is germane."

Senator Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) asked, "Is this a problem in the state of Alabama?"

"This is preemptive," Rep. Barnes answered.

"I am very concerned about this kind of legislation," said Hatcher. "I do not believe in moving forward legislation as a preemptive strike." "What I hope is we try to avoid is bringing legislation addressing issues that we don't have a problem with."

Senator Linda Coleman-Madison (D-Birmingham) said, "Not everybody worships the same way."

Sen. Albritton said that there have been attacks on churches in other states where people died.

"This hopefully can prevent some of that," said Albritton. "I welcome the day that the savior comes. I am always ready I hope."

Coleman-Madison asked, "What if it is somebody who is a member of the church?"

"We do have disputes in churches that end in all-out fist fights," said Coleman-Madison. "That has and continues to happen. You have a solution for a problem that we don't have."

The committee voted to give HB363 a favorable report

HB363 can now be considered by the full Alabama Senate.

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