Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2018 became law 515 days after introduction, with cosponsors from both parties

Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2018

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify an existing prohibition on intentionally obstructing, by force or threat of force, a person in the free exercise of religious beliefs. The bill specifies that, with respect to the prohibition, a threat of force includes a threat of force against religious real property. Additionally, it establishes a criminal penalty—a fine, a prison term of up to three years, or both—for a violation that results in damage or destruction to religious real property in an amount that exceeds $5,000. Finally, the bill broadens the definition of "religious real property" to include real property owned or leased by a nonprofit, religiously affiliated organization.