Groups warn 'Right to Worship' bill threatens speech
The gist
Muslim and Jewish groups urged Congress to reject the Right to Worship Act before a Senate vote.
They say its 100-foot buffer zones could chill lawful protest and assembly.
How it unfolded
- Sep 23, 2026MPAC and Bend the Arc: Jewish Action issued a joint statement warning the Right to Worship Act could undermine First Amendment protections.
- Sep 2026CAIR published an explainer on the legislation, labeling it essentially an "Illegal Israeli Settlements Protection Act."
- Oct 8, 2026Lawmakers pushed the bill, which would create 100-foot buffer zones around religious sites.
Key terms
- private right of action
- A legal right allowing a private individual to bring a lawsuit to enforce a law or claim a remedy.
- First Amendment
- Constitutional provision barring Congress from restricting religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition rights.
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- A standing committee of U.S. senators that oversees the Justice Department, considers judicial and executive nominations, and reviews legislation.
Source: Wikipedia