As the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., many states imposed restrictions on public gatherings, including church services. Texas voters will decide next week whether such restrictions on religious services will be allowed in the future.
If voters approve the measure, known as Proposition 3 or the Freedom to Worship Act, it would add a clause to the Texas Constitution forbidding state or local authorities from prohibiting or limiting religious services, even in cases where public health is the justification.
Bipartisan support
The amendment has divided religious groups in Texas and has also amassed bipartisan support, passing both the state Senate and House of Representatives with a number of Democrats joining unanimous Republican support.
State Rep. Scott Sanford, sponsor of the bill, has said closing churches in the wake of COVID-19 eliminated critical ministries “in a time of crisis” and “violated their religious freedom.” In addition to being a legislator, Sanford is executive pastor of a church in Allen, Texas.
Similar measures have made their way to states across the country. A February analysis by the Deseret News found legislators across the U.S. were “considering nearly 50 bills dealing with religious freedom protections during a pandemic.”
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