The Texas constitution was recently amended to exempt religious services from public health restrictions, under any circumstances. Some Texas officials, including Attorney General Paxton, have maintained that religious schools and other religious institutions are exempt on First Amendment grounds from public health orders. Other state and local governments have taken similar positions, and lawsuits challenging restrictions on gatherings or masking or vaccination requirements have been filed across the country. While the pandemic is the current focus, hazardous materials leaks, floods and other disasters could be affected. Our panel will discuss such exemptions and how to approach this issue. |