A bill that would make destruction of a house of worship a Federal crime was introduced in the Senate today by Sen. Jacob K. Javits (R., N.Y.) The bill would extend the Civil Rights Act of 1960 which grants Federal protection to religious buildings only against destruction by explosives.
Sen. Javits said today that the Federal Government must “help protect the guarantee of religious freedom just as it protects civil rights.” His measure calls for penalties of up to one year in prison for arson or attempted arson, 10 years if there is personal injury, and life imprisonment if arson causes death.
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