People who disturb worship services with curse words or rude actions could land in jail under legislation endorsed by the Missouri Senate.
The bill given initial approval Wednesday would make it a misdemeanor to intentionally disturb or interrupt a "house of worship" with profane language, rude or indecent behavior or noise that breaks the solemnity of the service. The crime would be punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, with repeat offenders facing increasingly harsher penalties of up to five years in a state prison. Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer said it may not happen frequently now, but would be helpful to keep this from happening in the future. Several other states, including California, already have similar laws, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service. Missouri's proposal won preliminary approval by voice vote and needs a second Senate vote before it can advance to the House.
The bill given initial approval Wednesday would make it a misdemeanor to intentionally disturb or interrupt a "house of worship" with profane language, rude or indecent behavior or noise that breaks the solemnity of the service. The crime would be punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, with repeat offenders facing increasingly harsher penalties of up to five years in a state prison. Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer said it may not happen frequently now, but would be helpful to keep this from happening in the future. Several other states, including California, already have similar laws, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service. Missouri's proposal won preliminary approval by voice vote and needs a second Senate vote before it can advance to the House.
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