New Jersey Senate Bill SCR107

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/26
• Refer: 3/2/26

Caption

Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.

Impact

The bill addresses past issues during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person religious services were paused and later restricted by executive orders from Governor Murphy. These executive orders allowed several secular businesses to operate without significant constraints while religious gatherings were heavily limited. The resolution highlights a perceived imbalance in how different types of gatherings were treated under health orders, suggesting a violation of the fundamental rights protected by both State and Federal constitutions.

Summary

SCR107, introduced in New Jersey on March 2, 2026, is a Concurrent Resolution urging the Governor to protect religious liberty during declared states of emergency. The bill emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights to worship freely, as outlined in both the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the New Jersey State Constitution. The resolution arises from the restrictions placed on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many houses of worship faced significant limitations while secular businesses were considered 'essential' and remained operational with fewer restrictions.

Contention

Proponents of SCR107 argue that the resolution affirms the necessity of protecting religious gatherings and expressions of faith, especially during emergencies when communities often seek solace and support from their places of worship. Critics may contend that such legislation could undermine necessary public health measures during crises, potentially leading to harm if religious gatherings are permitted to occur without regard for safety protocols.