DOJ Expands Use of Abortion Clinic Law to Protect Synagogues

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The Justice Department is signaling a broader use of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a law historically associated with abortion clinic protests, to defend Jewish houses of worship against protesters accused of disrupting religious services. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the department has applied the FACE Act to cases involving disruptions at synagogues, and is reviewing similar incidents elsewhere with the possibility of additional enforcement actions.

Why it matters

This shift in enforcement strategy reflects the Justice Department's efforts to address a rise in antisemitic incidents, including harassment, vandalism, and disruptions of religious services, since the 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. The department views protecting religious freedom and civil rights as essential to preserving the nation's core values.

The details

Dhillon cited a civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department against protesters accused of disrupting services at a synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, calling the case a first-of-its-kind application of the FACE Act in that context. The department is also reviewing similar incidents elsewhere and warned that additional enforcement actions could follow. Beyond the synagogue protest cases, Dhillon pointed to other recent Justice Department actions addressing antisemitism, including settlement agreements with universities and civil litigation against a California coffeehouse.

• The Justice Department's expanded use of the FACE Act follows a rise in antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Justice Department is reviewing similar incidents of disruptions at synagogues elsewhere and warned that additional enforcement actions could follow.