Wisconsin Senators Urge Ban on Closure of Places of Worship during Health Emergencies
Lawmakers on a Senate committee heard public input Tuesday on the proposed constitutional amendment to ban church attendance restrictions during health emergencies, limits that sparked backlash during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed amendment from Republican Sen. Cory Tomczyk of Mosinee and Rep. Ty Bodden of Hilbert would ban Wisconsin officials and local governments from closing places of worship during a public health emergency or other government emergency declaration.
"Many people in our great state seek the solace of their church or their synagogue, their mosque, or other religious institution in times of difficulty," Tomczyk testified Tuesday. "It is critical that we protect every individual's ability to gather and worship at those times."
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers limited mass gatherings, including church services, to 10 or less attendees via executive order in March 2020 in an effort to curb surging COVID infections. More than 14,000 Wisconsinites have since died from the disease, per state health department statistics.
Evers' decision sparked months of outcry from Republicans, who asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to block the stay-at-home order and said the Democratic governor's use of 'czar-like powers' beyond his constitutional authority prevented Wisconsinites from exercising their religious rights.
Churches were allowed to reopen in May 2020 after the court in a 4-3 decision overturned Evers' stay-at-home order, though many held socially distanced or hybrid services as COVID cases climbed.
Bodden said the proposed constitutional amendment would prevent future incursions on religious freedom during committee testimony Tuesday, referencing a 2020 police shutdown of Palm Sunday mass at West Bend church.
Source: eu.jsonline.com
