Emergency Restrictions

Bill to exempt churches well-intentioned, but could delay needed action

Today is Sunday and, in normal times, many people would be gathering in their place of worship for morning services.

But with the COVID-19 pandemic, some churches have decided that caution is best approach and have either started streaming worship services online or have limited the number of congregants attending.

In Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson has encouraged places of worship to practice social distancing and other safety precautions, but has not imposed mandatory restrictions. That’s not good enough for one state lawmaker.

State. Rep Mary Bentley, R-District 73, filed a bill to make houses of worship exempt from any order imposing emergency disaster restrictions on their operations except where a compelling need could be shown.

“I thought it was important that we clarify here in Arkansas that we believe like they do that First Amendment rights aren’t canceled by a pandemic,” she told KARK-4 News in Little Rock.

We understand Bentley’s concerns. But no one can anticipate the future. We don’t know what kind of emergencies may be down the road. There may be situations where immediate restrictions — even on churches — may be crucial to the health and safety of Arkansans.

Exempting them by law would muddle the situation, inviting court challenges and taking up crucial time when there is little time to spare. It would tie the governor’s hands if such a difficult but necessary decision ever had to be made.

At present, we think the governor is handling things correctly. Issue guidance on safety protocols, but let each place of worship make the decision what to do on its own.