Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 43 this week, forbidding government discrimination against churches during a state of emergency.
The bill would also prevent the state from taking adverse action against a religious organization simply for being religious. Additionally, it would codify recent Supreme Court decisions, which ruled free exercise rights are fundamental, and that governments can’t treat religious organizations more adversely than other groups.
The bill also allows religious organizations to bring a lawsuit if they have been discriminated against.
The bill stems from the shutdown of churches and other religious organizations in 2020.
