§ 609.28 — Interfering With Religious Observance
Plain-Language Summary
It is a misdemeanor to use threats or violence to stop someone from practicing their religion. It is a gross misdemeanor to physically block someone from entering or leaving a place of worship. These protections do not prevent a religious organization from excluding someone from their own building.
609.28 INTERFERING WITH RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE.
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Subdivision 1.Interference.
Whoever, by threats or violence, intentionally prevents another person from performing any lawful act enjoined upon or recommended to the person by the religion which the person professes is guilty of a misdemeanor. §
Subd. 2.Physical interference prohibited.
A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who intentionally and physically obstructs any individual’s access to or egress from a religious establishment. This subdivision does not apply to the exclusion of a person from the establishment at the request of an official of the religious organization. §
Subd. 3.Definition.
For purposes of subdivision 2, a “religious establishment” is a building used for worship services by a religious organization and clearly identified as such by a posted sign or other means.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.28; 1971 c 23 s 41; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 27
History: History: 1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.28; 1971 c 23 s 41; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 27