A state senate committee held a public hearing this week on a resolution that would amend the state constitution and prohibit the state or its agencies or local government from closing places of worship or banning gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health. To become law, this resolution would need to be passed by two successive legislatures and be ratified by the voters.
Wisconsin’s constitution is very strong on religious freedom, strong enough that this proposal shouldn’t be necessary. But COVID vividly showed us we needed more specific language. Rogue politicians setting aside the constitution during an emergency is extremely dangerous. Emergencies are when we especially need the rule of law, not the whim of man.
