FRANKFORT, Kentucky (LifeSiteNews) – The Governor of Kentucky has signed legislation stating that churches are essential during declared states of emergency.
Governor Andy Beshear signed the bill into law on April 5.
The new law means that churches will stay open during any emergency situation, such as one resembling the lockdowns that were enacted due to the declared pandemic.
On Tuesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed a bill into law that would treat churches as “essential” if an emergency order is issued.
Kentucky Governor Signs Bill Declaring Churches ‘Essential’ during an Emergency. https://t.co/elD8vR8zgg pic.twitter.com/Ze5ZyMheFk
— StridentConservative (@StridentConserv) April 8, 2022
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Shane Baker, was surprised that the bill was signed into law so swiftly considering that it was seen as a response to what were seen as heavy handed measures enacted by the governor during the lockdowns. Nevertheless, he hadn’t thought the governor would refuse to sign.
“I didn’t think he would veto the bill because I think that would be difficult for him politically,” Baker said.
He opined that the governor chose to sign it into law because there is an election next year, and since public opinion continues to shift away from the need for closures.
If the bill had not been signed into law by Beshear, it is likely that it would have become law with the governor’s input.
Baker had sponsored the bill because he thought it was hypocritical that large stores and other venues that could continue to operate for what were considered “essential” reasons, while churches were closed.
In his opinion, churches fill a number of roles for “essential” services in society, which go far beyond meeting for worship.
“This was something that was very important to me. It’s a shame we have to have laws like this,” he said