AZ Gov. Ducey signs bills protecting religious liberty of care facility residents, churches

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Greg Chafuen regarding Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s signing Monday of HB 2449, a bill that ensures that residents of long-term care facilities are able to receive visits from clergy during a state of emergency, an extension of protections passed last year for patients in hospitals:

“The religious freedom of Arizonans should be protected, especially during a public crisis. Over the past two years, too many people were denied visits from clergy, even in end-of-life situations. HB 2449 ensures that this does not happen in long-term care facilities like nursing homes by allowing residents to receive visits from clergy. Residents in vulnerable situations deserve to have their religious freedom protected. Their right to exercise religion should not be denied or violated merely because they are in a facility receiving care. We commend Gov. Ducey and the Arizona Legislature for taking this step to protect religious liberty for Arizonans.”

The following quote may be attributed to Chafuen regarding Ducey’s signing Monday of HB 2507, a bill that ensures the state does not discriminate against churches and other religious organizations and allows them to remain open during a state of emergency on terms that aren’t inferior to 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 comparable secular entities. HB 2507 ensures religious organizations can keep their doors open and protects them from discrimination based on their religious identity or constitutionally protected conduct. We thank Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona lawmakers for taking this significant action to preserve religious freedom.”

• 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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