Bill to address public disorder may lead to unintended consequences for the faith community

The FCCB has taken a position in opposition against HB 1 (Fernandez-Barquin), as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Recent riots have prompted concern; however, any violence committed during a riot, or at any time, is already prosecutable. HB 1 raises penalties and sentences for certain crimes committed during a riot, violates local subsidiarity by allowing the governor to subvert local law enforcement budgets, and broadly describes certain terms in a way that could potentially criminalize some of our ministries' public activities such as praying in front of an abortion facility, sidewalk counseling, and prayer vigils against the death penalty. Ingrid Delgado, FCCB associate director for social concerns and respect life, testified in opposition to the bill before a House committee last week. A  letter highlighting the Conference's concerns with the bill was circulated to the sponsor and committee members.