SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) — Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan on Friday introduced AB 2664, our new “Safe Worship Zone” legislation to ensure that every Californian can enter a house of worship freely – without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction.
Amidst rising antisemitism and hate, many Jews fear simply going to synagogue – with 26% reporting they don’t feel safe attending Jewish institutions, according to a recent AJC study. A disturbing pattern of protests outside houses of worship – including incidents at Wilshire Boulevard Temple and Adas Torah in Los Angeles – has made clear that this fear is real. And this challenge is not unique to the Jewish community.
This bill takes a concrete step to address that reality.
AB 2664 establishes a 100-foot zone around the entrances of houses of worship within which protesters may not approach congregants without consent. These “Safe Worship Zone” – or “bubble zone” – protections ensure that people can enter and leave religious institutions without being confronted, surrounded, obstructed, or intimidated.
This approach reflects a balance that courts and legislatures have recognized for decades. Bubble zone laws structured in similar ways have long been on the books across the country and have been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, which has consistently recognized that the same First Amendment that protects protesters also protects the right to worship freely.
At a moment of rising antisemitism and heightened tensions impacting many faith communities, this makes clear that California will act to protect religious life and the dignity of those who engage with their faith.
Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan said, “Every Californian deserves to practice their faith without fear. The rise in antisemitism and targeted harassment outside houses of worship is deeply alarming and deeply personal to me. AB 2664 establishes common-sense protections already in place in other states. No one should have to run a gauntlet of intimidation just to attend services. This bill ensures they won’t have to.”
We are grateful to Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for her leadership and look forward to working with legislators, faith leaders, and community partners to advance this legislation.
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Preceding provided by Jewish California.