(South Dakota Broadcasters Association) The South Dakota Senate has passed legislation increasing criminal penalties for interfering with religious practice.
Senate Bill 113 raises the penalty for using threats or violence to prevent someone from practicing their religion from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Pierre Republican Senator Jim Mehlhaff from Pierre says the bill responds to incidents where protesters disrupted worship services.
Some senators raised concerns the law could be interpreted too broadly.
Republican Senator Mykala Voita from Bonesteel.
The Senate passed the bill 30-4. It now moves to the House.
