1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Please oppose HB4117. I understand that lawmakers are negotiating on just how awful this bill can get. Couched as a way to "protect religious freedom," this bill would make protesting a "religious gathering" or "religious activity" a felony.  The definition of religious gathering/activity is left purposefully vague. While it sounds benign, consider that anti-abortion protestors often gather around reproductive health clinics to pray and sing while harassing patients. Would this count as a "religious activity"? Under the terms of HB4117, definitely. Same goes for people protesting LGBTQIA+ events like Phoenix Pride while carrying a bible, or protests outside, say, one of Dream City Church's many political events. Anyone who interrupts this "religious activity" could be charged with a felony, resulting in potential jail time and large fines.  It’s a bad policy that privileges religion and tramples First Amendment rights. Thank you for protecting our Constitutional rights as our representative to the U.S. government.