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SD 2201

An Act repealing the criminalization of blasphemy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Becca Rausch

Repeals the blasphemy criminal statute, removing criminal penalties for blasphemous speech or conduct in Massachusetts.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2201

Summary: An Act Repealing the Criminalization of Blasphemy (SD 2201)

Overview

Bill SD 2201, titled “An Act repealing the criminalization of blasphemy,” seeks to remove the criminal penalty for blasphemous conduct or speech in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by repealing a current statute. The bill is sponsored by Senator Rebecca L. Rausch and has progressed to House concurrence.

What the bill would do

  • Repeals Section 36 of Chapter 272 of the General Laws.
  • By repealing this statute, blasphemy would no longer be a criminal offense under Massachusetts law as currently written.
  • The text does not introduce a replacement crime or substitute offenses; the change is a repeal of the existing criminal prohibition.

Key provisions

  • Section 36 of Chapter 272 is removed from the General Laws. No other substantive provisions are added in this bill.
  • No explicit effective-date provision appears in the text provided; the bill’s operative provisions would become law upon enactment, unless otherwise specified in future amendments.

Affected parties

  • Individuals who engage in speech or conduct that could be characterized as blasphemous would no longer face criminal penalties under this statute.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary would no longer administer criminal charges for blasphemy under Section 36.
  • Religious groups, scholars, artists, and members of the public engaging in discourse about religion could experience broader scope for expression without criminal liability under this specific provision.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Filed: January 17, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025.
  • House action: House concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Session context: 194th General Court (2025-2026).

Context and related measures

  • The bill references a similar matter filed in a prior session (Senate No. 1109, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing consideration of decriminalizing blasphemy in Massachusetts.

Practical implications

  • The primary effect is to align state law with protections for freedom of expression by removing criminal penalties for blasphemous speech or conduct.
  • The bill does not address other forms of harassment, hate crimes, or civil remedies that might relate to religiously offensive actions, unless addressed by separate statutes.

Notes

  • The provided text does not specify an explicit effective date or the fiscal impact. Further committee analysis may clarify these aspects and any potential interactions with other state laws.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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