Youngkin Signs Bill Banning Unequal Restrictions On Virginia Places Of Worship During State Emergencies

Democratic governor of Virginia On Sunday, Glenn Youngkin signed legislation that forbids public officials from placing unfair restrictions on places of worship during condition situations.

HB 2171stipulates that “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 measure previously passed the Republican-controlled House of Delegates (53-43) and Democrat-controlled Senate (35-5) last month.

Following the Covid pandemic in March 2020, then-Democratic Gov. On March 24, Ralph Northam issued an executive purchase partially outlawing both public and private groups of ten people or more, including those held in places of worship. Additionally, the order required the closure of establishments that were deemed” non-essential ,” including restaurants, gyms, and hair salons.

Places of worship were deemed” non-essential” at the same time, while businesses like liquor stores were classified as” important” and permitted to operate during regular hours. A Northam spokesperson made an attempt to defend the latter plan in a declaration made at the time, saying that” losing liquor stores may not necessarily reduced demand, but could pull consumers further over state lines and / or motivate unregulated markets.”

Venues that were found to have broken Northam’s order ran the risk of being charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which in Virginia is punishable by” confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and fine of not less than$ 2, 500, either or both.”

Governor Youngkin acknowledged that Ralph Northam did not uphold his prices when he permitted liquor stores to stay empty but kept churches closed, according to Macaulay Porter, a spokeswoman for the governor, who spoke to The Federalist. ” He was pleased to signal HB 2171, which safeguards Virginians from government intrusion and keeps the Commonwealth available.”

Youngkin ran against his herald Covid quarantine policies throughout the 2021 election for governor. The Virginia Republican, who took office, issued executive orders outlawing say employees’ Covid taken requirements and school mask needs. After the Virginia General Assembly passed a proposal allowing for additional screening among schoolchildren last year, the former was more codified into state law.

On July 1, HB 2171 is scheduled to go into results.

Shawn Fleetwood is a people author for The Federalist and an undergraduate of Mary Washington University. He also contributes to Convention of States Action’s say articles, and his writing has appeared in a number of publications, including Conservative Review, RealClearPolitics. Follow him @ ShawnFleetwood on Twitter.

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