There is legislation moving in the general assembly concerning the ability to hold services at Kentucky houses of worship during a pandemic. Some are calling House Bill 43 a response to Governor Beshear’s decision during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic to require churches not to conduct in-person worship.
Louisville GOP Representative Jason Nemes said the opportunity for church worship should mirror that found in operating private businesses.
“If other institutions that are vital to the health and welfare of the public, which I would say churches are vital to the health of the public, if those are open, then churches are open. If they have restrictions, the churches have those restrictions as well. But, no more, no less,” said Nemes.
Lexington Democratic Representative Kelly Flood voted no. She said the bill, “diminishes the democratic tolerance of religious diversities.”
Louisville Democratic Representative Pamela Stevenson is an associated minister. She voted no. “I'm real clear that the Bible says serve God and serve people. And you should take care of the least of these and make sure that your brother is taken care of,” said Stevenson.
More than half of the 100 members in the Kentucky House have signed on to the legislation.
