MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Ryan

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-35-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT DISTURBANCE OF WORSHIP SERVICES MAY BE PROSECUTED IN JUSTICE, MUNICIPAL, COUNTY OR CIRCUIT COURT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 97-35-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

97-35-17. If any person shall wilfully disturb any congregation of persons lawfully assembled for religious worship, he may be immediately arrested by any officer or private person, without warrant, and taken before any justice court judge of the county, present or convenient, and on conviction thereof by such justice, municipal, county or * * * circuit court, shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned not more than six (6) months, or both.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.