Bill would protect faith-based community centers, houses of worship

The recently introduced Faith-Based Community Center Protection Act would allow Homeland Security Grant Program funds to be used to safeguard faith-based community centers and houses of worship.

If the bill becomes law, the Homeland Security Grant Program would be provided with $75 million in additional funding. The funding would be divided equally between communities with less than 1 million people and communities with a population of more than 1 million.

The federal penalty against making fake bomb threats also would be increased from five to 10 years.

“The introduction of this bill is extremely timely as anti-Semitism and attacks against faith-based institutions continues to rise,” Shelly Prant, executive director of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Albuquerque, said. “We need to stand together to end the hate that is motivating these attacks. We are in much need of this added protection and will appreciate the support given to support this bill.”

The bipartisan bill was sponsored by U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Martha McSally (R-AZ).

Americans should not live in fear when worshipping and practicing their faith, McSally said.

A faith-based community center is defined in the bill as s facility operated by a nonprofit faith-based community organization for recreational, social, or education services.