INDIANAPOLIS, IN â Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has signed a new law that protects religious freedom and prohibits the state government and its agencies from discriminating against houses of worship during a public health emergency.
Gov. Holcomb signed Indiana Senate Bill 263 after it passed in the state House of Representatives by a vote of 74â20 and then the Senate by a vote of 36â10.
The legislation states religious activities are essential services
The legislation states religious activities are essential services.
The new law, which takes effect on July 1, âprohibits the state and a political subdivision from imposing restrictions on a religious organization that are more restrictive than the restrictions imposed upon other businesses and organizations that provide essential services to the public.â It also âprovides that the state, a political subdivision, or an officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision may not restrict the right of the people to worship or to worship in person during a disaster emergency.â