This month, Americans were shocked by scenes of protesters rushing into a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, to harass and intimidate peaceful Christian believers. Video of the event showed the activists sought to intimidate families, including children who could be seen crying in fear.

The event was just the latest sign of growing lawlessness in the Minneapolis area. Reportedly, activists targeted the church because a pastor is a law-enforcement agent who works in immigration enforcement.

Oklahoma lawmakers may respond to the event by passing legislation that boosts the penalties facing activists who attempt similar activity in this state.

“It’s unfortunate that we are at a point where legislation like this is necessary, but people should be able to worship in peace and without fear,” said state Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville.

Under Senate Bill 743, by Gollihare, the punishment for disturbing a religious meeting would include a fine of up to $500, one year in jail, or both a fine and imprisonment. A second or subsequent offense would be a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

SB 743 declares, “The Legislature finds that the right of the people to meet and assemble for religious worship is imperative for the people of this state; that the exercise of the right of a person to protest at places of religious worship must be balanced against the right of another person to meet and assemble for religious worship in an unobstructed manner; and that preventing the willful obstruction of access of a person to places of religious worship is a matter of statewide concern. Therefore, the Legislature declares that it is a compelling public interest of this state to protect the ability of its people to meet and assemble for religious worship without willful obstruction.”

SB 743 was first filed in the 2025 legislative session and passed out of the Oklahoma Senate on a 43-4 vote and then passed out of the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 73-21 vote. Because the bill was amended in the House, the amended version must be voted on by the Oklahoma Senate a second time before it can go to the governor. That did not happen before the 2025 session adjourned, but the bill remains eligible for an immediate vote in the Senate when the Legislature reconvenes in February.

Gollihare said the bill was prompted by both national incidents and a personal experience at his own church last year.

“I originally filed this bill after a group came to my church to harass my family and me. What began as isolated incidents has grown into a nationwide affront to those who simply want to worship peacefully,” Gollihare said. “This behavior is unacceptable. It puts people in danger and turns sacred spaces into targets for intimidation. If you want to have a political conversation, I welcome it. But provoking an entire congregation is not how you make your point. Worship services are not political battlegrounds.”

He said the legislation will be heard during the first week of this year’s legislative session.

“Oklahoma has a long tradition of respecting faith, family, and community,” Gollihare said. “This bill draws a clear line: people are free to protest, but they do not have a right to invade sacred spaces and deliberately disrupt worship.”

As Oklahoma lawmakers consider SB 743, federal officials are taking action against the individuals who harassed churchgoers in Minnesota.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Jan. 22 that some individuals who led and participated in the storming of the church have been arrested by Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials.

“Our nation was settled and founded by people fleeing religious persecution. Religious freedom is the bedrock of this country,” Bondi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We will protect our pastors. We will protect our churches. We will protect Americans of faith.”