Madison, WI – Senator Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee) issued the following statement regarding Senate Joint Resolution 54 (SJR 54):
“On Tuesday, I testified in favor of SJR 54 which would amend the Constitution to say, ‘…the state or a political subdivision of the state may not order the closure of or forbid gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health.’
During the pandemic, across the country and even here in Wisconsin, there are instances of churches and other places of worship being shut down under the guise of public health. This unequivocally tramples our First Amendment right to freedom of religion and its exercise.
I was appalled by Senator Carpenter’s comments during my testimony where he stated, ‘nothing in the Constitution is absolute.’ Contrary to whatever Senator Carpenter believes, our constitutional right to peaceably assembly and practice religion is NOT subject to change.
It is the behaviors and beliefs of people like Senator Carpenter who make this amendment so important.
Senator Carpenter and those who share his skewered view of the U.S. Constitution are perfectly comfortable with the government closing a place of worship whenever there is a so called ‘emergency.’ The government has ZERO right to interfere with religious activities and Senator Carpenter should be ashamed of himself for even suggesting otherwise.
When I entered office, I took an oath to support the Constitution of Wisconsin and the United States, I’m not sure what oath he took. By proposing this amendment, I am fulfilling my duty to that oath and to the people of the 29th Senate District and the State of Wisconsin.”
Watch my testimony here to see for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf_bXUOxlR8
