2023 Senate Joint Resolution 54
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
To amend section 18 of article I of the constitution; relating to: the freedom to gather in places of
worship during a state of emergency (first consideration).
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:
SECTION 1. Section 18 of article I of the constitution is amended to read:
[Article I] Section 18. The right of every person to worship Almighty God according to the
dictates of conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any person be compelled to attend, erect
or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry, without consent; nor shall any control
of, or interference with, the rights of conscience be permitted, or any preference be given by law to
any religious establishments or modes of worship; nor shall any money be drawn from the treasury
for the benefit of religious societies, or religious or theological seminaries; nor shall the state or a
political subdivision of the state 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.
Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the legislature to be
chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three months previous to the time of
holding such election.
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Senator Chris Kapenga
President of the Senate
Date
Richard A. Champagne
Acting Senate Chief Clerk