Restoring the First Amendment and Right to Peaceful Civil Disobedience Act of 2025
Restoring the First Amendment and Right to Peaceful Civil Disobedience Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of S 223: Restoring the First Amendment and Right to Peaceful Civil Disobedience Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would repeal federal laws that currently make it illegal to injure, intimidate, or interfere with people seeking or providing reproductive health services, as well as laws protecting people exercising religious freedom at places of worship. In effect, it would remove federal criminal penalties for conduct directed at these two groups of people and activities. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would impact people who work at or visit abortion clinics and other reproductive health facilities, patients seeking reproductive services, people attending religious gatherings, and religious workers.
Currently, federal law prohibits harassment, intimidation, or violence targeting these individuals and locations. If passed, this bill would eliminate those specific federal protections, though state laws against assault, harassment, and property damage would remain in effect. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Restoring the First Amendment and Right to Peaceful Civil Disobedience Act of 2025This bill repeals provisions of federal criminal law that prohibit conduct intended to injure, intimidate, or interfere with persons who are seeking to (1) obtain or provide reproductive health services, or (2) exercise their right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.