Bill Banning Gov't Closure Of Churches Heads To Gov. Abbott's Desk

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A bill banning governments from shutting down churches and houses of worship  any reason heads to the governor’s desk for signature after it passed its final vote on Friday, 113 to 30.

Filed by Rep. Scott Sanford, R-McKinney, HB 1239 prohibits governments from ordering the closure of houses of worship in Texas.

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Bill To Halt Gov't Closure Of Churches Passes #Texas House

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A bill designed to protect religious freedom and ensure that no governmental entity has the power to close a house of worship has passed the House of Representatives, in a vote of 117 to 29. 

House Bill 1239, sponsored by Rep. Scott Sanford, had over 50 co-sponsors, and was among the priority issues outlined in Governor Greg Abbott’s State of State Address in February. 

The bill prohibits any governmental entity from issuing an order or passing an ordinance that would close houses of worship. In addition to adding a prohibition on closures, the bill also creates a defense against prosecution under the protection of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Backers argued that the unprecedented closure of churches, mosques, and synagogues in 2020 negatively impacted many who were struggling with isolation and stress during the pandemic. 

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Proposed Bill Would Consider Worship As An "Essential Service"

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A north Texas Republican has filed legislation that would designate places of worship and religious activity as “essential” under Texas law, reports CBS 21 (Dallas-Fort Worth.)

If passed, the bill, by Plano Representative Matt Shaheen, would prevent houses of worship from being forcibly shut down because of a disaster declaration or any other reason.

Shaheen said he presented the legislation, “… after numerous examples across the nation of religious gatherings being expressly prohibited while secular businesses have been permitted to continue to operate.”

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