SC governor signs bill protecting churches from discrimination during emergencies

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Greg Chafuen regarding South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s signing Monday of HB 3105, a bill sponsored by Rep. Richie Yow and Sens. Billy Garrett and George Campsen that ensures churches and other religious organizations are allowed to remain open during a state of emergency on the same or better terms as 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 shopping centers, restaurants, or gyms. This bill takes the modest step of ensuring that officials cannot use a public crisis to discriminate against religious operations in violation of the Constitution. We commend Gov. McMaster and the South Carolina Legislature for taking action to defend religious freedom in South Carolina.”

• 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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