Legislation granting criminal and civil immunity to those who gather for religious services against state orders during an emergency clears a House committee.
Oil City Representative Danny McCormick said his bill is in response to the state’s ban on in-person church services early in the pandemic.
“Some of the people didn’t attend church just out of the fear of being arrested and humiliated and I think we need to send a clear message to Louisiana that our religious freedoms are alive and well,” said McCormick.
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Central Pastor Tony Spell testified at the committee. He said Central police had no right to arrest him for continuing in-person services in spite of the state ban.
“I cannot be beholden to anyone in this room to keep me from preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ without fear and favor,” said Spell. “I owe no man anything, especially a godless governor.”
Spell was challenged by Chairman Ted James who contested the accusation, citing the Governor’s record. The legislation also aims to retroactively void charges like those against Pastor Spell, but James said even if this is signed into law it can’t be applied to past cases.
“We do take an oath to uphold the constitution and I think that the constitution is very clear about applying laws retroactively,” said James.
The bill heads next to the House where a series of efforts restricting or overturning the Governor’s public health orders have passed.