Senator Doherty Starts Petition To Resume NJ Religious Services

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Republican Sen. Mike Doherty has launched an online petition urging Gov. Phil Murphy to allow religious services to resume in New Jersey with reasonable precautions amid the new coronavirus pandemic.

Doherty, who represents District 23 — which includes Bridgewater, Bedminster, Peapack-Gladstone, Raritan, Bound Brook and South Bound Brook — launched the petition Sunday and has since received more than 1,700 signatures.

"We have a constitutional right to practice religion that should not be impeded through overly restrictive executive orders," Doherty said. "Governor Murphy should recognize that religious services are no less essential to people's needs than retail services, such as lottery and liquor sales, that have been allowed to continue."

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Murphy issued a stay-at-home order March 21 prohibiting all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations or other social events. When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners, Murphy said.

Doherty says churches, temples, mosques and synagogues can "operate safely through reasonable precautions, including outdoor services, social distancing, the wearing of masks and other protective equipment, and limitations on the size of gatherings."

"Given what we all have learned about COVID-19 during the last few weeks, we believe it’s possible for religious services to resume if reasonable precautions are put in place," Doherty said. "We're asking Governor Murphy to allow religious services to resume in New Jersey in a thoughtful fashion. It’s the right thing to do, both constitutionally and morally."

For more information or to sign the petition, visit senatenj.com/petitions/openreligion.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

— What do you think? Should religious services be allowed to resume in New Jersey? Comment below in the comment section.

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