TN Bill Prohibiting Unlawful Restrictions On Churches Passes Senate Committee

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –

A Tennessee bill that seeks to prohibit unlawful restrictions being placed on churches and religious organizations passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee yesterday and heads to the Senate floor for a vote.

SB1837 passed 6 to 2 with Committee Chairman Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville-District 7) declining to vote stating that he had “trouble supporting the bill.”

Bill sponsor Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) said the bill made it possible for churches to “worship under a state of emergency.”

An amended version of the House Bill (HB1694) was recently passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives in a 73-19 vote with only the Democrats voting against. 

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However, SB1837 may yet be withdrawn.

Josh Houston, legal counsel, noted that Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) has a bill from last year with similar language that has now been scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor on March 24th. SB1197 also prohibits closing a church or religious organization or limiting its operations for “purposes of worship.”

If you support either of these bills contact your legislators by finding their contact information HERE.