Bipartisan bill would establish “safe access” zones around churches, synagogues and mosques
New York, NY, April 24, 2026 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today welcomed the introduction of the federal Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption (SACRED) Act, a bipartisan bill that protects safe access to houses of worship by establishing a 100-foot “safe access” zone around churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious locations.
The SACRED Act would create federal penalties for targeted harassment and engaging in conduct intended to intimidate or obstruct people exercising their right to religious worship within 100 feet of a place of worship, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment rights of those who seek to protest, picket and/or demonstrate.
The new legislation, which is being introduced by Reps. Thomas Suozzi, D-NY, and Max Miller, R-Ohio, was announced at a press conference on April 24 at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, NY.
In attendance was Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director, who praised the bill as a responsible and sensible solution to the rise in harassment and intimidation of Jewish worshippers outside of synagogues in recent months by anti-Israel agitators.
“No one should have to face harassment or intimidation as they are trying to pray in peace at a place of religious worship,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “This important and much-needed legislation reflects both the urgency of this moment and the fundamental principle that every person should be able to practice their faith freely and safely.”
As drafted, the SACRED Act would prohibit conduct within 100 feet of a place of religious worship that is intended to intimidate or obstruct congregants, causing them to reasonably fear for their physical safety. It would also provide additional protections against targeted harassment within the 100-foot safe access zone. In addition to outlining criminal penalties, the bill allows aggrieved individuals and houses of worship to bring civil actions for injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorney’s fees, when appropriate.
At the same time, the legislation explicitly protects peaceful picketing and other forms of expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment and only applies to conduct that is carried out with criminal intent or that rises to the level of harassment. The bill would complement existing federal, state and local efforts, ensuring more comprehensive safeguards against harassment and intimidation outside houses of worship.
ADL has played a leading role in advocating for buffer zone legislation at the state and federal level as Jewish and other faith communities continue to experience an alarming rise in harassment and intimidation outside of houses of worship. Several states have introduced safe worship zone bills this year, including Washington, Arizona, New York and California; and just last month, the New York City Council passed buffer zone legislation 44-5, with a veto-proof majority. “This groundswell of action at the state and local level, much of it informed by ADL's research, model language and advocacy, demonstrates that leaders across the country understand what's at stake and are taking concrete steps to protect their communities,” Greenblatt said.
In November 2025, Jewish congregants trying to access Park East Synagogue in New York City faced demonstrators yelling antisemitic slurs and chanting “Death to the IDF” and “Globalize the Intifada.” And in December, masked protesters intimidated worshippers outside the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, chanting “Baby Killers” and “Zionist pigs” at congregants. Two of the demonstrators were arrested after entering the synagogue.
Polling has shown that as many as 70 percent of registered New York voters support buffer zone protections for houses of worship.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate.