As states crack down on gatherings due to coronavirus, some exemptions for religious groups keeps pews full.
, governors in at least three states have exempted houses of worship from statewide bans on mass gatherings, and this weekend will offer a first test to see if any congregations forge ahead despite the warnings.
"That’s an area we don’t have the ability to directly enforce or control," Whitmer said during an appearance on"Fox News Sunday."She said she felt pressure from Republicans in the state legislature to include the exemption and said her hands were tied by the separation of church and state. In a pool photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tells Michigan residents to stay at home, in her most sweeping order of the coronavirus crisis, Monday, March 23, 2020, in Lansing, Mich.
Rachel Laser, the president and CEO of the nonprofit advocacy group Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, said the governors are misinterpreting restrictions on impeding religious expression. She says the Constitution actually requires religious and secular institutions be treated the same.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New York delays presidential primaryGov. Andrew Cuomo postponed New York’s presidential primary from April to June to keep people from gathering — even to vote — amid of the state’s coronavirus outbreak
Read more »
How Artists Are Coping During The CoronavirusAs live music shuts down, different parts of the industry have had to get creative and keep spirits high. Here's how some artists are coping with cancellations during the coronavirus
Read more »
Toddler Seems to Think 'Popsicle' Is Pronounced 'F*ck a Bus,' and We Truly Can't Stop LaughingA little boy has made us crack up with his persistent mispronunciation of the word 'popsicle.'
Read more »
New York Delays Presidential Primary From April to JuneNew York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday that he was delaying the state's presidential primary from April to June, citing concerns about people gathering to vote during the coronavirus outbreak
Read more »
Trump Considers Coronavirus Quarantine Of New York, New Jersey & ConnecticutCitizens of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut may face a quarantine that keeps them in their home states, President Trump announced.
Read more »