Salazar Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Places of Worship, Safeguard Religious Liberty
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To address the upward trend of attacks against places of worship across America, Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Katie Porter (D-CA), and Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) introduced the Pray Safe Act. Companion legislation in the Senate is led by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI).
In the face of alarming antisemitism following Hamas’ terrorist attack against the State of Israel, this legislation would establish a federal resource for nonprofits and places of worship to get information on best practices to keep their organizations safe and secure. This will make it simple and straightforward to get federal help, information, and grants to protect places of worship.
“Americans must be protected in their place of worship,” said Rep. Salazar (R-FL). “I’m proud to co-lead this bill to create a federal repository of best security practices and grant opportunities to improve safety and security for Miami’s churches, synagogues, and religious organizations.”
The Pray Safe Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Federal Clearinghouse, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, to serve as a central source for nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship to access safety and security standards, federal resources, and grant information.
“Too often, our places of worship are targets for individuals filled with hate—including here in Orange County when Geneva Presbyterian Church was attacked by a mass shooter,” said Rep. Porter (D-CA). “In a time of rising fear and violence, our faith communities need strong federal partnership to keep Americans safe. I’ll continue to work with colleagues across the aisle to pass the Pray Safe Act, combat hate, and bring our country together.”
“The Pray Safe Act will enhance the security and safety measures for houses of worship, faith-based organizations, and other non-profits. Establishing a federal clearinghouse will allow these organizations to access information on safety and security best practices, available federal grant programs, and training opportunities. No one should feel unsafe or threatened in their place of worship,” said Rep. Carter, Sr. (D-LA).
Rep. Salazar is one of Congress’ leading voices on defending religious liberty at home and abroad. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, she has repeatedly criticized leaders in Latin America who have promoted antisemitism and has introduced legislation to fight antisemitism in the United States. She has also used her voice to condemn the persecution of Catholics by the Ortega regime in Nicaragua.
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