SB 1070
CFC SupportsCrimes: disturbing religious worship
CFC Says
CFC supports SB 1070.
This bill makes it a more serious crime in California to intentionally disrupt a religious service, allowing prosecutors to charge offenders with a felony instead of just a misdemeanor, and increasing potential fines and jail time. It also keeps and expands requirements for community service as part of the punishment.
Currently at Committee, having cleared 1 stage.
Legislative Progress
CFC's Position Letter
March 2, 2026
Senator Shannon Grove
1021 O Street, Suite 7150,
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Support for SB 1070
Dear Senator Grove,
On behalf of tens of thousands of constituents, allied organizations, and more than 2,000 churches across California, the California Family Council proudly supports SB 1070, legislation that strengthens protections against the intentional disruption of religious worship.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the free exercise of religion, including the right of faith communities to assemble and worship without interference. When individuals deliberately disrupt services, they are not committing a minor offense; they are interfering with a fundamental constitutional right. California’s current misdemeanor framework for this offense does not reflect the seriousness of this conduct.
Incidents of organized intimidation, aggressive interruptions, and targeted harassment of congregants have increased in recent years. A national report documented more than 415 hostile acts against churches in 2024, with California reporting the highest number: 40 incidents. When the maximum penalty is a misdemeanor, there is little deterrent. SB 1070 provides prosecutors with appropriate tools to hold offenders accountable and signals that attacks on places of worship will not be treated as minor infractions.
Churches are not venues for political rallies or protest stages. They are sacred spaces where families gather to worship God in peace. When agitators intentionally invade or obstruct services, they are not exercising free speech. They are trampling on the religious liberty of others. California must send a clear message that worship services will be protected.
SB 1070 applies equally to all religious communities across California, affirming that every congregation is entitled to gather and worship free from intentional interference.
For these reasons, the California Family Council supports SB 1070. Strengthening protections for religious assembly is a matter of constitutional integrity, equal justice, and public safety.
Sincerely,
Greg Burt
Vice President
California Family Council
Official Description
Existing law makes it a crime to intentionally disturb or disquiet an assemblage of people met for religious worship by profane discourse, rude or indecent behavior, or by any unnecessary noise. Existing law makes a violation of this crime a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. This bill would additionally make a violation of the above-described crime a felony punishable by a fine not exceeding $5,000, by imprisonment in a county jail for 16 months, or 2 or 3 years, or by both that fine and imprisonment. By making an existing crime punishable as either a misdemeanor or a felony, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.