U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) called for an end to state and local prohibitions on religious gatherings still affecting countless Americans even as others freely exercise their right to peaceful protest.
“My heart aches for the family of George Floyd and for our country right now – there is no place in our society for police brutality, nor is there for the violence and destruction that we have seen in some cities,” Congresswoman Walorski said at a hearing of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. “But even as many Americans are exercising their right to protest peacefully, we see countless others being denied their right to gather at a church or synagogue to pray for peace, justice, and understanding. This is inexcusable. At a time when our country needs prayers for unity and healing, I call on every mayor and governor who is still barring the faithful from gathering to reverse course immediately.”
At the hearing on racial health disparities in the coronavirus pandemic, Walorski also emphasized the importance of safely reopening our nation’s economy to protect the health and wellbeing of those facing significant hardship due to the economic crisis.
“Safely reopening businesses doesn’t just put money in workers’ pockets, it also boosts their wellbeing,” Walorski said. “Joblessness is known to have negative effects on mental health, and indeed many health experts have predicted that prolonging lockdowns could result in a wide range of problems such as increased suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues.”
