Snyder OKs Jail For Disrupting Religious Service
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation making it a misdemeanor to disrupt a religious service in Michigan.
The governor's office said Wednesday that the new law includes a sentence of up to 93 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for disrupting a worship service. The law increases the possible fine to $5,000 for repeat offenders.
First-time offenders could also face up to 100 hours of mandatory community service, while repeaters could get up to 200 hours.
Snyder said freedom of religion deserves government protection because it's "one of the founding principles of this country."
State Rep. Deb Shaughnessy, R-Charlotte, was the bill's sponsor. She cited one incident in 2008 at Mount Hope Church in Delta Township, west of Lansing, where items were thrown at people and fire alarms were activated.
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