Virginia houses of worship may still be subject to government authority after state Democrats rejected a bill that would’ve provided some protection from executive orders.
Democrats in the commonwealth’s Senate blocked the GOP-backed bill, which would have carved out exemptions in emergency orders issued by the governor or other government offices for houses of worship, in a 7-7 vote on Monday.
DC POLICE SHIELDING RECORDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA SURVEILLANCE TACTICS, LAWSUIT SAYS
“This vote by Senate @VADemocrats was a slap-in-the-face to all of us,” said state Del. Wren Williams, sponsor of the bill, in a tweet. “Why the @VADemocrats desperately want the power to quash our churches, I do not understand. But I do know this: our fight for religious freedom is even older than America. I will keep fighting for our freedoms — because our freedoms are what make America great.”
If implemented, HB 775 would have allowed people to file suit if they felt their “religious exercise has been burdened.”
Several public health restrictions were enacted following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to closures of houses of worship nationwide.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
In March 2020, then-Gov. Ralph Northam issued a statewide stay-at-home order prohibiting residents from leaving their homes except to get food or medical care, go to work, or participate in other essential activities.
Republicans narrowly passed the bill in Virginia’s House of Delegates in February by a 51-46 vote prior to Monday’s Senate failure.
