Oklahoma Passes Law to Protect Worship Services from Disruption

Attorney General Gentner Drummond says new law will safeguard religious freedom in the state

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In response to incidents of protesters disrupting church services, the Oklahoma state legislature has passed a new law to protect worship services from intentional disruption. The law, introduced by State Sen. Todd Gollihare and Rep. Mark Lawson, imposes fines and jail time for those who disturb religious assemblies. Attorney General Gentner Drummond says the law will provide critical protections for religious communities in the state and send a message to "radical agitators" to stay away from Oklahoma's places of worship.

Why it matters

The new law in Oklahoma comes after a high-profile incident in Minnesota where protesters disrupted a church service, as well as a broader trend of hostility and vandalism against Christian churches across the U.S. The law aims to safeguard the constitutional right to religious freedom and ensure Oklahomans can worship without fear of being attacked or intimidated.

The details

Senate Bill 743 establishes penalties for intentionally disrupting a religious worship service. A first offense would be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to one year in county jail. A second offense would be a felony, with a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to two years in prison. Drummond says the law respects constitutional rights to free speech and lawful protest, while providing critical protections for religious communities.

  • The bill was introduced in the Oklahoma legislature in 2025 but did not pass at that time.
  • This month (March 2026), the bill passed the state Senate and was quickly signed into law by the Governor.

The players

Gentner Drummond

The Attorney General of Oklahoma who is focused on fighting crime, ensuring government transparency, improving tribal relations, and ending corruption.

Todd Gollihare

An Oklahoma state senator who introduced Senate Bill 743 to protect worship services from intentional disruption.

Mark Lawson

An Oklahoma state representative who co-introduced Senate Bill 743 with Sen. Gollihare.

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What they’re saying

“No citizen should have to fear being attacked, accosted or intimidated when they enter a house of worship to practice their faith on the weekends—or any day, for that matter.”

— Gentner Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma

“It provides critical protection for religious communities throughout Oklahoma while respecting constitutional rights to free speech and lawful protest. It tells radical agitators to stay away from Oklahoma and our places of worship.”

— Gentner Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma

What’s next

Drummond says his office stands ready to vigorously enforce the new law as enacted to protect Oklahomans' right to worship.

The takeaway

This new law in Oklahoma demonstrates how states can step up to safeguard religious freedom and the constitutional right to worship, even when there are concerns about fair enforcement at the federal level.