NH governor signs bill protecting churches from discrimination during emergencies

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Greg Chafuen regarding Gov. Chris Sununu’s signing Tuesday of HB 542, a bill sponsored by Reps. Keith Ammon, Jim Kofalt, and Travis O’Hara that ensures churches and other religious organizations are allowed to remain open during a state of emergency on the same or better terms as other businesses and services:

“Houses of worship and religious organizations provide soul-sustaining operations that are essential to our society and protected by the First Amendment. While public officials have the authority and responsibility to protect public health and safety, the First Amendment prohibits the government from treating houses of worship and religious organizations worse than shopping centers, restaurants, or gyms. This bill makes it clear that officials cannot use a public crisis to discriminate against religious operations without violating the Constitution. We commend Gov. Sununu and the New Hampshire Legislature for taking this important step in defending religious freedom in New Hampshire.”

• Pronunciation guide: Chafuen (CHAFF’-wen)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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