A Virginia law stating that government regulations can no longer treat churches differently than businesses during public emergencies went into effect July 1. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, houses of worship often were compelled to follow more stringent capacity limitations as compared to other public places, such as grocery stores and other retailers. For example, in the spring of 2020, churches could not have more than 10 people gathered inside at a time, while the commonwealth permitted non-retail businesses, such as law or accounting offices, to gather in numbers greater than ten so long as they used social distancing.
The bill was introduced by Delegate Wren Williams (R-Stuart) in response to those restrictions. “Freedom to gather and worship is a fundamental American right that is worth fighting for,” he said in a press release on his website. “Passing this bill is a spectacular win for the millions of church-going Christians and people of every faith all across Virginia. I am amazed and humbled at this victory for religious freedom.”
The bill focuses on the powers and duties of the governor during an emergency and states — “No rule, regulation, or order issued by the Governor or other governmental entity pursuant to this chapter shall impose restrictions on the operation of a place of worship that are more restrictive than the restrictions imposed on any other business, organization, or activity.”
The Virginia Catholic Conference, the lobbying arm of the Virginia bishops, supports the measure, said Jeff Caruso, executive director. “We thank each legislator who cast a vote in favor of this legislation and Governor Youngkin for signing it into law,” he said. “Houses of worship are vital for the life and health of Virginians of every faith. Ensuring that churches are not subject to unequal and inequitable restrictions during a public emergency is a welcome and needed improvement to Virginia law.”
