Missouri will soon create a statewide task force to help protect churches and nonprofits

Missouri will soon create a statewide task force to help protect churches and nonprofits. 

Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a bill into law that will form the task force to study and recommend safety and security changes for churches and other nonprofits. 

The Anti-Defamation League says the new law marks a critical step toward protecting houses of worship, community centers, and nonprofits that increasingly face threats of violence and hate. 

The members will be responsible for issuing an annual report of its findings and recommendations. 

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Missouri experienced a 250-percent increase in annual antisemitic incidents from 2021 to 2023, in addition to bomb threats, harassment campaigns, and acts of hate.