“Intentionally disrupting a wedding is a crime in South Australia”
TRUE! Any person who intentionally obstructs or disturbs a wedding ceremony or funeral—whether secular or religious—is guilty of an offense in South Australia.
This law protects both religious and civil ceremonies from deliberate interference. It covers the classic movie scenario of someone bursting in to object—if done intentionally, that's actually illegal in South Australia. The provision applies equally to funerals.
Where the story gets it wrong
Many people think this law only covers religious weddings. In fact, Section 7A explicitly applies to secular weddings and funerals as well, extending protection regardless of religious content.
Some assume the law only prohibits disrupting the ceremony itself. It also covers obstructing people traveling to or from the wedding or funeral, not just the event location.
It might seem that any disturbance near a wedding could count as an offense. The disruption must be intentional—accidental disturbances are not covered under the law.
Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA), Section 7A: "(1) A person who intentionally— (a) obstructs or disturbs— (i) a religious service; or (ii) a wedding or funeral (whether secular or religious); or (b) obstructs or disturbs persons proceeding to or from a religious service, wedding or funeral in a way that is calculated to be offensive and is related in some way to their attendance, or intention to attend, the religious service, wedding or funeral, is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: $10,000 or imprisonment for 2 years."
- Current status
- Actively Enforced
- Enacted
- January 1, 1953
- Penalty
- Maximum $10,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment