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SB 2327

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates the Class B misdemeanor offense of interfering with a religious institution if a person acts to intentionally obstruct, disturb, or interfere with the activities of the religious institution by making an utterance, gesture, or display in a manner that is offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person, either within the place where the meeting is held or so near it as to disturb the order and solemnity of the activities; defines "religious institution" as a church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Gardenhire

Tennessee bill criminalizes offensive utterances, gestures, or displays that disturb religious institution activities as Class B misdemeanor with vague "ordinary person" offense standard.

Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
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Bill Summary · SB 2327

Legislative bill overview

SB 2327 creates a new Class B misdemeanor offense in Tennessee for intentionally obstructing, disturbing, or interfering with religious institution activities through offensive utterances, gestures, or displays either inside or near the place of worship. The bill defines protected religious institutions as churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship, and amends criminal code statutes 39 and 40.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects First Amendment protections and the balance between protecting religious spaces and preserving free speech rights. The law could significantly impact protest activities, counter-speech, and expressive conduct near religious facilities, while raising questions about enforcement and what constitutes "offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person."

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: The law's language around "offensive" utterances and "gestures" may be unconstitutionally vague or overbroad, potentially chilling protected speech and expressive conduct near houses of worship
  • Enforcement ambiguity: The standard of "offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person" is subjective and could lead to inconsistent application depending on local interpretations and enforcement priorities
  • Scope and balance: The bill protects religious institutions broadly but doesn't clearly address counter-balancing interests such as legitimate protest, peaceful demonstration, or satire, and may disproportionately restrict certain types of expression

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

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