Madison, WI — Today, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) released the following statement relating to Governor Tony Evers’ response after requests for clarification on treatment of religious services:
“After a confusing twenty-four hours, I’m glad the Governor has attempted to clarify his administrative guidance relating to outdoor church services,” Senator David Craig said.
“Today, my colleagues and I sent this letter requesting re-interpretation of the order on behalf of our constituents due to county health departments and local police prohibiting drive-in and outdoor religious services planned for this weekend. While still unclear, the guidance used to shut down services was apparently given to county health departments through communication by the Department of Health Services,” said Sen. Craig.
Despite the communication from the Governor today, the Department of Health Services website still displays the following message with no further clarification:
At the direction of Governor Tony Evers and under the authority of Wis. Stat. § 252.02(3), the Department of Health Services (DHS) orders all nonessential gatherings of 10 people or more be cancelled, postponed, or closed statewide. This order includes places of worship and religious gatherings.
“The rapid-fire, shoot-from-the-hip dictates have to stop! The people of Wisconsin have no clear guidance from day-to-day on how to live their lives, run their businesses, or worship God,” said Sen. Craig. “We can’t sit by our televisions or computers waiting for the latest vague edict from Governor Evers telling us how to live our lives. The Legislature must step in to stop this madness by acting to balance good public health practices with commonsense allowances for activities where no health risks exist.
Senator Craig represents the 28th Senate District which includes parts of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Walworth counties.
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