Texans Pass 8 Amendments to State Constitution, Including One That Strengthens Religious Freedom

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Texans hit the polls earlier in the week to pass all eight proposed amendments to the state constitution, including one that curtails the ability of government to restrict religious services, also during emergencies like pandemics, according to state authorities.

The Texas Secretary of State has announced unofficial results of the vote, which took place on Nov. 2 and was required to approve the amendments, which were earlier passed as bills during the legislative session. Two of the propositions were created explicitly in response to COVID-19 restrictions.

Proposition 3, which won the backing of 62.4 percent of voters, amends Article 1 of the Texas Constitution by adding a new section preventing the state, or any political subdivision of the state, from enacting any laws that prohibit or limit religious services, including ones conducted in churches, congregations, and other places of worship.

Some backers of Proposition 3 argued that places of worship provided essential services and, as such, should be exempt from pandemic-related closures, like grocery stores.

“When the restrictions were put on the church, it crossed the line from what we could do, which was buy groceries, and what we couldn’t do, which was worship as we want to worship,” state Sen. Donna Campbell, a Republican, said in April, according to the Texas Tribune.

“Churches provide essential spiritual, mental, and physical support in a time of crisis. Closing churches not only eliminated these critical ministries and services, but it violated their religious freedom, guaranteed by our laws and Constitution,” said state Rep. Scott Sanford, a Republican, the Texas Tribune reported.

Opponents argued that the measure hampered the ability of authorities to mount an effective response to emergencies, like outbreaks of infectious disease.

By Tom Ozimek

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

All Apologies For the Culture War Slop

"Forgive me for ignoring the elite-driven political/economic excesses, focusing instead on divisive culture war slop."

Rising sea levels are less of a threat than we were told

New study challenges climate alarmism: sea levels aren't rising faster than the past century, despite dire warnings of floods and mass migrations.

President Trump is Being Wrongfully Obstructed on Tariffs

Podcaster Zach De Gregorio, in “Wolves And Finance,” delivers a sharp editorial unpacking the truth behind Trump’s international tariff policies.

Trump And Kennedy Are Placing Patients First

Trump admin set rules requiring hospitals and insurers to give patients clear price info, aiming to boost transparency and put patients first.

Figures flip the field

Sports programs with strong donor bases and NIL collectives are flipping recruits and transfers at rapid speed, like traders on Wall Street.

Appeals Court Upholds $83 Million Ruling Against Trump

A federal appeals court upheld a jury ruling ordering Trump to pay columnist E. Jean Carroll $83.3M in damages for defaming her.

Video Shows Fatal Stabbing of Ukraine War Refugee: What to Know

Video shows moments before Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was killed on a Charlotte light rail, raising new concerns over crime and public safety.

Border Czar Says ICE Will Target More Businesses After Enforcement Operation at Hyundai

Trump administration to expand immigration enforcement, targeting more businesses after detaining hundreds at a Georgia Hyundai plant.

Education Department to Issue Guidance Protecting Right to Prayer, Trump Says

President Donald Trump on Sept. 8 announced that the Department of Education will issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer.

Trump Runs out of Patience With China, Sharpens His Words

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks targeting China and its allies mark a noticeable shift in tone.

Trump Signs Order Renaming Department of Defense as Department of War

President Donald Trump on Sept. 5 signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Countries That Unlawfully Detain Americans

President Trump signed an EO on targeting the unlawful detention of American citizens around the world and to facilitate the release of hostages.

Trump Sends Warning to Venezuela After US Military Strikes Boat Allegedly Carrying Drugs

President Trump sent a warning to Venezuela after the U.S. military struck what the administration says was a boat carrying drugs in the Caribbean.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central