HB2171, Introduced By Del. Williams To Treat Places Of Worship As Essential, Passes Democrat-led Senate Judiciary Committee 13-2
RICHMOND, VA – This morning, HB2171, which was introduced by Delegate Wren Williams (R – Stuart) to have places of worship treated as essential, was amended and passed the Democrat-led Senate Judiciary Committee 13-2. This bill would prevent a governor from using the Emergency Services and Disaster Law from shutting down churches while leaving other businesses open.
The following statement can be attributed to Delegate Wren M. Williams:
“Britt and I are church-going Christians. One of the worst things we saw during Covid was Governor Northam’s order that ‘essential’ businesses could stay open, while our churches had to be shut down. The truth is, our churches are essential.
“Freedom to gather and worship has been a bedrock freedom here in America since the days of our founders. I was honored to carry this bill and I am grateful it passed the Senate Judiciary Committee so that our churches will no longer be discriminated against. I will always stand for religious liberty and freedom of worship.”
After being reported from the Senate Judiciary Committee, HB2171 will now go to the Senate Floor for a vote, where it is expected to pass.
Wren Williams is the sitting delegate representing Virginia’s 9th House District, serving on the Committees on Public Safety, Privileges and Elections, and Courts of Justice. Since redistricting, Williams is running for re-election in Virginia’s newly-drawn 47th House District. Outside of politics, Wren lives with his wife, Britt, and son, Rhett, in Stuart, VA. Wren and Britt own and operate Schneider & Williams Law Firm.