The Overview

If you attend religious services in Arizona, intentionally disrupting or blocking access to your worship is now a crime. Arizona's disturbing religious services; worship, HB 4117 became law when Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed it June 22. ​

Political protests inside houses of worship are unusual in the U.S., the Associated Press reported, and MPR News reported that about three dozen protesters entered a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, with some approaching the pulpit. Under the general effective date for that session's laws, the measures were due to take effect Sept. 12, 2026.

What the Law Does

The law adds a new section to Arizona's criminal code making it a crime to intentionally interfere with a religious service or activity without legal authority. It covers physically obstructing someone's ability to enter or exit a place of worship, and making a protracted commotion or display inside that disrupts a service.

Peaceful picketing, protesting or other expressive activity is exempt, as are law enforcement officers and first responders acting within their official duties. The offense is a class 1 misdemeanor, but it becomes a class 6 felony if the person has a prior conviction under this section or used force, threats of force, or physical intimidation in committing it.

Legislative Status

Rep. Teresa Martinez (R) sponsored the bill, with cosponsors Rep. Rachel Keshel (R) and Rep. Michael Way (R). The House passed the bill 34–19 on Feb. 26. The Senate passed it 18–11 on June 10. The House then passed the bill 35–19 on June 12.

The Arizona Capitol Times reported that Sen. John Kavanagh said the bill was intended to protect people attending religious services from intentional interference. Sarah Kader, deputy director of the Anti-Defamation League's Desert Region, told the Arizona Capitol Times the bill offered "narrowly tailored language" protecting worshippers. Abortion clinics raised concerns about how the expanded protections could affect protests at their facilities, the Arizona Capitol Times reported.

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