At a time when too many Americans — and especially Jews — feel unsafe simply walking into their house of worship, Maryland has taken an important and principled stand.

With bipartisan leadership and moral clarity, the Maryland General Assembly has passed Criminal Law – Obstruction or Interference With Exercise of Religious Beliefs – Prohibition (SB177/HB750). The bill now awaits the signature of Maryland Governor Wes Moore who is a strong champion of fighting antisemitism and hate. Indeed, Governor Moore just signed the new state budget which thankfully increases security support for faith organizations at risk of hate crimes.

This legislation is straightforward but profoundly important. It prohibits anyone from using force, threats, or physical obstruction to interfere with people entering, exiting, or participating in religious activities at houses of worship and related facilities. Violators would face misdemeanor penalties, including up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

In essence, it affirms a basic principle: every Marylander should be able to pray, gather, and mourn in peace—without fear. A Response to a Real and Growing Threat

This bill did not emerge in a vacuum. Across the United States, and here in Maryland, incidents targeting religious communities have been rising at an alarming rate.

As Meredith Weisel of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) explained in her testimony:

“There is an urgent need for measures like SB177… ADL’s most recent Audit of Antisemitic Incidents tracked 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the country in 2024… the highest number ADL has recorded since we began tracking in 1979.”

She added that Maryland alone saw 356 antisemitic incidents in 2024, including a sharp rise in incidents at Jewish institutions. But this is not only a Jewish issue. People of many faiths—including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs—have faced intimidation and obstruction.

The bill was supported by a wide variety of groups including the Baltimore Jewish Council, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and others. I was delighted to join with Liz Glass, Jody Goldsmith and others from the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake in going door to door to every legislative office in support of this bill. In written testimony in support of the bill we also put it plainly:

“At a time of rising antisemitism and increasing incidents of religious hatred… it is essential that Maryland take clear, proactive steps to ensure that people of all faiths can safely and freely access their places of worship… without fear, intimidation, or obstruction.”

Protecting Access Without Limiting Free Speech

Importantly, this bill is carefully crafted to respect the Constitution.

It does not restrict speech or peaceful protest. Instead, it draws a clear and necessary line: protest cannot cross into physically blocking doors, trapping people inside, or intimidating them from entering.

As the Federation noted:

“Freedom of speech does not include the right to physically block doors, trap people inside buildings, or prevent lawful access to religious institutions.”

This approach mirrors longstanding laws protecting access to medical facilities—demonstrating that Maryland is applying consistent standards to safeguard fundamental rights.

Leadership That Made It Happen

This legislation reflects the best of bipartisan cooperation and public service.

In the Senate, the bill was championed by Chris West, who is retiring after years of dedicated service. His leadership on this issue is a fitting capstone to a career marked by hard work and integrity.

In his testimony, Sen. West spoke with clarity about the moment we are in:

“It has become a sad reality of our time that there is an uptick in anti-religious extremism, regardless of faith… Marylanders should not fear for their safety or property whenever they go to worship. They should have free and safe access to their chosen religious facilities.”

He also emphasized the bill’s practical purpose:

“The operative language… states that a person may not intentionally act… to prevent another person from entering or exiting a religious facility by physically detaining the other or obstructing, impeding or hindering the other’s passage.”

Maryland is stronger because of leaders like Chris West—willing to step up, work across differences, and address real problems with common-sense solutions.

In the House, the bill was led by Delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg, along with Delegates Cardin, Stinnett, Simmons, Conaway, and Williams. Delegate Rosenberg highlighted both the urgency and the legal clarity of the bill:

“Every Marylander should feel safe in accessing their own religious facility… HB 750 ensures that Maryland is taking crucial steps to protect religious exercise.”

He also explained why existing laws are not enough:

“This bill… expressly targets the intentional physical detention, obstruction, impeding, or hindering of a person entering or exiting a religious facility.”

The Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus, including leaders like Jared Solomon, also played a key role in advancing this legislation, underscoring its importance for protecting Jewish communities while benefiting all faiths.

A Message That Maryland Values Freedom—and Safety

This bill sends a powerful message: Maryland will not tolerate intimidation at the doors of faith.

It also offers something equally important—reassurance. Reassurance to parents bringing their children to religious school. To seniors attending services. To families gathering for holidays, weddings, or funerals.

As the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake wrote in testimony in both the House and Senate:

“Everyone—regardless of faith—deserves to feel safe entering their house of worship… Ensuring unobstructed access to religious facilities is not only a matter of public safety, but a fundamental affirmation of religious freedom and mutual respect.”

That is what this bill is about.

Not politics. Not division. But dignity.

The Maryland General Assembly has done its job. Now, the final step rests with Governor Moore who is already a very strong supporter of the safety of religious institutions and is expected to sign the bill.

I am proud to live in a state that affirm that religious freedom is not just an ideal—it is protected in practice.

And at a time when that protection is needed more than ever, that is something worth celebrating.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)