INDIANA  – Legislation supported by State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) protecting Hoosiers’ right to gather for religious worship services during future public emergencies is now law.

During the early months of the pandemic, in-person religious services were prohibited, which Morrison said cut constituents off from critical services and connections. This new law prohibits the state or other government bodies from restricting the right to worship in-person, classifying religious gatherings as essential. Morrison said other religious activities like food pantries, daycare or school services can also not be more restricted than other essential services.

“Our freedom of religion and religious assembly must be unassailable,” Morrison said. “Places of worship have been pivotal in helping Hoosiers throughout this pandemic, both spiritually and with needed resources, and this law ensures they can continue carrying out this purpose unimpeded.”

Americans’ mental health in 2020 was worse than at any point in the last two decades, according to an annual Gallup poll. Frequent church attendees showed the least change in their mental health ratings, which Morrison said is a strong sign that religious institutions are vital to society.