Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.
The resolution arose in response to Executive Orders issued by Governor Murphy that restricted in-person religious services while allowing certain secular businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, to operate with fewer limitations. This differentiation raised concerns about the treatment of religious institutions, as they were not deemed 'essential' despite providing crucial community services. The resolution reflects a legislative effort to reaffirm the importance of safeguarding religious practices, especially during emergencies, aligning state law with federal protections under the First Amendment.
ACR44, or Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 44, urges the Governor of New Jersey to protect the religious liberty of individuals during a declared state of emergency. The resolution cites the First Amendment rights that prohibit government interference with the free exercise of religion, as well as specific provisions in the New Jersey Constitution that uphold individuals' rights to worship according to their consciences. This resolution seeks to address the perceived overreach of government powers during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the restrictions placed on religious gatherings compared to secular businesses deemed essential by the state during emergency orders.
ACR44 highlights significant contention surrounding religious freedom during states of emergency when governmental powers are often expanded. Opponents argue that the resolution could limit necessary public health measures aimed at protecting citizens during crises like COVID-19. Proponents maintain that it is essential to ensure that religious organizations can function and provide their services without government interference. The broader implications suggest ongoing debates regarding the balance between individual liberties and public safety, particularly in how states could treat religious entities differently than secular organizations during emergencies.