FRANKFORT, KY – The Family Foundation applauds Rep. Shane Baker, the bill’s sponsor, and the House chamber for the passage of House Bill 43 – the “Church is Essential Act”.
“Churches are essential to the spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing of Kentuckians and their communities,” explained David Walls, Executive Director of The Family Foundation. “With the passage of HB 43, churches will rightfully be recognized as essential to the wellbeing of our communities, and the governor’s emergency powers will never again be misused to treat religious organizations worse than secular businesses.”
“The ‘Church is Essential Act’ will ensure that emergency powers are never again used to close the doors of the Commonwealth’s churches to people in need, while liquor stores, abortion clinics, and large retail stores still remain open.”
Churches in Kentucky were forced to file lawsuits challenging Governor Andy Beshear’s COVID orders that prohibited in-person church services and threatened criminal penalties. Kentucky’s state police were ordered by Beshear to document license plate numbers of church attendees and attach intimidating notices to their cars. HB 43 would ensure that never happens again.
The “Church is Essential Act” will now be considered in the Kentucky Senate. Kentuckians who wish to encourage their Senator to pass the bill may call the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 and visit The Family Foundation’s Action Center at kentuckyfamily.org/takeaction.
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About The Family Foundation
The Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization that stands for Kentucky families and the biblical values that make them strong. Learn more at kentuckyfamily.org.
