Proposition 3 - SJR 27

Summary

SJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment barring the State of Texas or a political subdivision from enacting, adopting, or issuing a statute, order, proclamation, decision, or rule that prohibits or limits religious services. The proposed amendment would apply to religious services, including those conducted in churches, congregations, and places of worship, in the state by a religious organization established to support and serve the propagation of a sincerely held religious belief. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.”

A "Yes" vote on Proposition 3 is in favor for amending the state constitution to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.

A "No" vote on Proposition 3 is against amending the state constitution to prohibit the state or a political subdivision of the state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.

Arguments

"The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that courts have the tools to evaluate challenges of government overreach in emergency public health-related orders. Protecting religious freedom requires a careful assessment of the facts in each situation. That judicial approach, rather than overbroad legislation, is the better way to address such public health crises and ensure religious gatherings are not treated less favorably than other similarly situated activities." - Baptist Joint Committee, in opposition to Proposition 3 (Learn more)

"One thing I see here in the language — it says that no rule or law or statute or order, et cetera, may… limit religious services, correct? So, for instance, that would mean there could never be any restrictions on capacity." - Rep. John Turner, in opposition to Proposition 3 (Learn more)

"When the restrictions were put on the church, it crossed the line from what we could do, which was buy groceries, and what we couldn"t do, which was worship as we want to worship" - Sen. Donna Campbell, in support of Proposition 3 (Learn more)

"Churches provide essential spiritual, mental and physical support in a time of crisis. Closing churches not only eliminated these critical ministries and services, but it violated their religious freedom, guaranteed by our laws and Constitution." - Rep. Scott Sandford, in support of Proposition 3 (Learn more)

Measure Details