Members of the New York Board of Jewish Ministers this week are receiving copies of a bill recently signed by Governor Herbert H. Lehman and designed to aid in the solution of the problem of “mushroom synagogues.”
The text of the bill follows:
“Chapter 445 of the Laws of 1934.
“An Act to Amend the Penal Law in Relation to Frauds on Religious Institutions.”
“Section 1. The Penal Law is hereby amended by inserting therein a new section, to be known as SECTION 925-b, to read as follows:
“SECTION 925-b ‘Frauds on Religious Institutions.’
“A person who, in the promotion of his own interests or to deceive pecuniary benefit, gain or profit for himself or for any person, firm or corporation other than a religious association or corporation. Sells or offers to sell tickets for admittance to or participation in services purporting to be in accordance with the precepts of any recognized religious creed or faith or makes any fraudulent representation as to the nature of the services to be conducted at any place designated or intended to be a house or worship or as to the manner in which such services are to be conducted thereat or as to the facilities for worship therein or as to the number and qualifications of the persons engaged to conduct such services, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This action shall take effect September 1, 1934.”
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