Religious liberty victory in Ohio
Since 1983, a group called Citizens for Community Values which has been doing good work advocating for Christian values in the public sphere (pro-life, pro-religious-liberty, anti-pornography and so on).
They were recently instrumental in passing a state law here in Ohio to insure that our churches would not be unjustly closed by government decree.
As the article below shows, that is not the case in all states. Some governors have deemed worship "non-essential" and shut it down, or enacted restrictions much more stringent than for comparable secular activities.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has emboldened many politicians to deprive Christians of their religious liberty under the guise of "public safety," this is one of the many fronts on which we Christians will have to remain vigilant and work doggedly to defend our most basic rights.
CCV-Backed Religious Freedom Bill to Prohibit Government from Closing Churches Signed Into Law
On September 3, Senate President signed SB 272 and transmitted it to Governor DeWine with the CCV team and Central Ohio pastors present. Pictured left to right: Minister Matt Hazelwood, Claire Dyson of CCV, Senate President Obhof, Pastor David Mahan and Minister Derrick Lewis.
COLUMBUS – As states across the country attack religious freedom by mandating churches close, Ohio took a significant step to ensure churches are never closed. Moments ago, Governor DeWine signed the CCV-Supported HB 272 which prohibits the government from closing churches and houses of worship.
Under the leadership of Senate President Larry Obhof, HB 272 was amended to include key language to protect the First Amendment freedoms of all people of faith.
“Across the country, governors have run amok shutting down businesses and churches. Thankfully in Ohio, churches were never ordered closed. And thanks to HB 272, that can never happen in the Buckeye state,” said Aaron Baer, president of Citizens for Community Values.
“Because of the leadership of Senate President Larry Obhof, Speaker Bob Cupp, and the members of the General Assembly, Ohio has made a strong statement that the government has no business meddling in the affairs of the Church.”
“Let’s be clear: Church is essential. As we see a rise in depression, suicides, and drug overdoses, gathering together for worship and fellowship is crucial. The government should never deprive people of faith of this fundamental freedom, and CCV will always be there to ensure they never cross that line. “
The new law says explicitly: "No public official shall issue an order to close all places of worship in the state or in a geographic area of the state,” and guarantees churches and all houses of worship will be able to keep their doors open to help and serve our communities for generations.
For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or info@ccv.org.
As Ohio’s Family Policy Council, Citizens for Community Values seeks the good of our neighbors throughout Ohio by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel. We endeavor to create an Ohio where God’s blessings of life, family, and religious freedom are treasured, respected, and protected.
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