Help Protect Churches from Government Discrimination

Churches and religious organizations play an indispensable role in serving and meeting the spiritual and physical needs of citizens in our state—especially during times of crisis. 

Unfortunately, the challenges brought on by the spread of the coronavirus have led to unprecedented levels of government restriction on religious organizations and religious freedom.  

When states began limited reopening of businesses after the initial COVID-19 shutdown last year, many states refused to include churches or targeted churches and other religious organizations for harsher restrictions than secular organizations. 

Perhaps the worst offense occurred in Las Vegas, where bowling alleys, retail shops, and even casinos were open at 50% capacity, but churches were confined to just 50 people.

In response to this unfair treatment of religious organizations, legislation has been introduced in the Nebraska Legislature to ensure churches and religious organizations can continue operating and engage in religious services during a state of emergency.

LB 167 protects the rights of pastors, churches, and religious organizations by establishing that government officials cannot treat churches and religious organizations worse than other businesses and organizations during a public crisis or state of emergency.

It permits the government to implement neutral health and safety requirements on all businesses and services, but prohibits any state or local government official from singling out churches for harsher restrictions.

LB 167 covers all religious institutions and organizations, including churches, religious schools, food banks, homeless shelters, and other ministry work. The bottom line is, LB 167 ensures that churches and religious organizations are not treated worse than other entities.

By putting these protections into law, this bill ensures churches and religious freedom are always protected and cannot be infringed upon by future legislators.

LB 167 is set for a committee hearing on February 26th, and you can submit a letter to the Judiciary Committee in support of this bill by simply sending an email. 

This is a simple, yet effective way for senators on the committee to see the support for greater religious freedom protections in Nebraska.

Please send an email to the Judiciary Committee Clerk at judpl@leg.ne.gov with a short letter in support of LB 167 no later than 12 PM on Thursday, February 25th.

Your letter must identify the bill number (LB 167), include your name and address, state that you are writing in support of the bill, and request that the letter be “included as part of the public hearing record.”

Below, you will find a sample letter with talking points to choose from.

It makes a big difference when pastors and faith leaders from across Nebraska speak out. This is a unique opportunity to proactively protect religious freedom in our state.

Thank you for your support as we work to protect religious freedom and ensure churches and religious organizations are free to preach the gospel and meet the physical and spiritual needs of their communities.

SAMPLE LETTER AND TALKING POINTS

Chairman Lathrop and Members of the Judiciary Committee,

My name is [INSERT FULL NAME]. I am the [INSERT TITLE/OCCUPATION AND MINISTRY] and live at [INSERT ADDRESS]. I am writing in support of LB 167, and I request that this letter be included as part of the public hearing record.

• • Religious organizations provide essential services that are vital to the health and welfare of the public. Not only do religious organizations meet the spiritual needs of our populace, they also support social services, mental health, health care, and economic activity.

  • [Insert story or example of how your church/religious organization has stepped up to serve those in need during the COVID outbreak]

  • Public officials have the authority to protect health and public safety, but the First Amendment—including the free exercise of religion—is never suspended. LB 167 ensures public officials can protect public health and safety without violating the First Amendment.

  • Churches and their ministries are desperately needed to serve those who are in need, at risk, or suffering during this pandemic and future times of crisis.

  • LB 167 ensures that churches and other religious organizations receive equal treatment during a public crisis, allowing them to remain open on the same terms as other secular businesses and services.

  • At a minimum, the First Amendment requires the government to treat religious organizations the same as comparable secular organizations. When the government treats churches worse than casinos, gyms, and indoor amusement parks, it violates the Constitution.

  • The government has a duty to uphold the First Amendment, and it should never be allowed to single out churches with extra regulations.

I respectfully encourage the Committee to advance LB 167. Thank you for your time and for considering my request.