Missouri House passes bill to block public officials from prohibiting religious gatherings

The Missouri House has passed legislation that would bar public officials from prohibiting religious gatherings. 

The so-called Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act was inspired by lockdowns during the pandemic in which large public gatherings were prohibited, in an effort to stem the spread of COVID. 

The sponsor, Republican State Representative Cathy Jo Loy of Carthage, says “government agencies exist to serve the people and uphold the law, not to override their freedoms.” 

Opponents at a recent hearing said the bill would “tie the hands” of public health officials in the event of a future pandemic. 

The bill is now up for consideration in the Missouri Senate.