A state senate committee held a public hearing this week on a resolution that would amend the State Constitution. The resolution would prohibit the state or its agencies, including local units of government and their agencies, from closing or banning gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including public health emergencies. To become law, this resolution would need to be passed by two successive legislatures and be ratified by the voters.

The proposed amendment clarifies that local and statewide leaders “may not order the closure of or forbid 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.”

“Introducing this should not be necessary, but unfortunately during COVID, many of our rights were thrown out the window,” said Rep. Ty Bodden. “It’s time to right the wrongs of the past and do what we can to prevent those rights from ever being taken from us again.”

Wisconsin’s Constitution is very strong on religious freedom-- strong enough that this proposal shouldn’t be necessary. But COVID vividly showed us that we need more specific language.

The soonest the proposal could be included on the ballot is during the spring 2025 election, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau. Thankfully, the governor would not be able to veto it.

Rogue politicians sidestepping the constitution during an emergency is extremely dangerous. During emergencies, we need the rule of law, not the whim of man.