Coronavirus vs. Freedom of Religion: Can stay-at-home orders keep you from church?
Document Type
News Article
Publication Date
4-9-2020
Capture Date
5-10-2020
URL
https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241891831.html
Abstract
Although a variety of states have given stay-at-home orders, many Christian churches in the United States have remained opened. This has led to religious leaders, such as pastors, being criminally charged. Examples of this can be seen in states such as Louisiana and Florida. Many church leaders believe the stay-at-home order violates their First Amendment rights. Some religious groups are trying to be recognized by state governments as being "essential". However, many legal experts disagree. Legal experts argue the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment, which states if there is a risk of death, religious organizations cannot receive special exemptions.
WMU ScholarWorks Citation
Fowler, Hayley, "Coronavirus vs. Freedom of Religion: Can stay-at-home orders keep you from church?" (2020). Pandemic Response and Religion in the USA: Law and Public Policy. 3.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/religion-pandemic-law/3