May. 26, 2020
HARRISBURG – The House State Government Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) to ensure the religious freedoms of Pennsylvanians of all faiths are protected during times of emergency declaration.
Watch Rep. Owlett and fellow prime sponsor Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) advocate for the bill in the committee meeting.
“Our religious freedoms are guaranteed by both the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions, whether we are in an emergency declaration or not,” Owlett said. “But the COVID-19 emergency is unlike any we’ve seen before and has generated some vague, often confusing and ever-changing guidance from the governor.
“This bill is intended to ensure our religious organizations have 100% clarity that they are able to worship as they see fit in the Commonwealth.”
House Bill 2530 would amend the Religious Freedom Protection Act to state that no order issued during an emergency, or control measure issued under the Disease Prevention and Control Law, may impact the free exercise of religion in the Commonwealth.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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