Question 2Constitutional amendment · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Protect worship gatherings in emergencies
Explain it like I'm 5
During a dangerous emergency, the government may close places where people gather. This rule would stop the government from closing churches, mosques, synagogues, and other worship places or forbidding gatherings there.
Yes vote
State and local governments could not order places of worship closed or forbid gatherings there during a declared emergency, including a public health emergency.
No vote
The Constitution would not add this specific restriction on emergency orders affecting places of worship.
The question to ask yourself
Should worship gatherings receive a constitutional exemption from emergency closure orders, even during a serious public-health crisis?
The case for
- Protects in-person worship when people may especially need community and support.
- Creates a clear protection for religious gatherings during emergencies.
- Lets each congregation decide whether and how to meet.
Backed by: Republican Party of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Family Action, Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty
The case against
- It could remove a public-health tool during a severe outbreak.
- Crowded indoor worship can spread disease like other crowded indoor gatherings.
- Existing religious-liberty protections may already limit discriminatory emergency rules.
Opposed by: Democratic Party of Wisconsin, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin
- Money
- There is no direct cost or tax effect estimated.
- Don't be misled
- It is misleading to say the amendment requires worship places to open or exempts them from every safety rule, because it specifically concerns government closure orders and forbidden gatherings.