Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed support for the recent passage of Senate Bill 743 in the Oklahoma Senate. The bill, authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare and Rep. Mark Lawson, aims to protect religious worship services from intentional disruptions.
“Oklahomans have a fundamental right to worship freely and peacefully without fear of harassment or intimidation. Senate Bill 743 provides important protections for religious communities while respecting constitutional rights to free speech and lawful protest.
“What happened in Minnesota last month was appalling. Protesters invaded a church sanctuary during Sunday worship services, creating chaos and fear among families who were simply trying to practice their faith. This kind of targeted disruption of religious worship cannot be tolerated in a free society. Oklahoma families deserve better, and this legislation ensures they will have the legal protections they need.
“I commend Sen. Gollihare and Rep. Lawson for their leadership on this issue and stand ready to vigorously enforce this law if enacted,” Drummond said.
If enacted, the bill would make it a misdemeanor to disturb an assembly of religious worship on a first offense, with penalties including up to $500 in fines or up to one year in county jail. A second offense would be classified as a felony, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to two years in prison.
Senate Bill 743 passed the Senate with a 31-15 vote after having previously passed the House, and now awaits consideration by the Governor.
Gentner Drummond leads the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office, focusing on crime prevention, government transparency, tribal relations, and public legal services according to his official biography. He brings nearly three decades of legal experience—including military service—and advocates for policies supporting key state sectors such as energy as well as laws against serious crimes like drug distribution and child exploitation (official website). The Attorney General’s office works with both state and federal partners on organized crime issues (official biography).
