FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flurry of Religious Freedom Bills Introduced in KY Legislature
February 10, 2025
CONTACT: Richard Nelson (richard@commonwealthpolicy.org)
(Frankfort, KY) – The Kentucky State Legislature reconvened on February 4 in Frankfort and several legislators introduced bills to bolster religious liberty. “The reason these bills are being introduced is because religious freedom has been compromised in recent years,” said Commonwealth Policy Center Executive Director Richard Nelson.
The Bills being introduced include:
- HB 37 Elimination of the sales tax on churches where food is sold and served
- SB 59 Frees up churches and nonprofits to bypass land use restrictions to provide housing for the homeless
- SB 60 Allows for individuals whose religious exercise has been “substantially burdened” by a government actor to sue for religious liberty violations.
- HB 119 Allows for individual school boards to decide whconether or not to post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms
“Religious freedom is a bedrock principle of our Commonwealth. Our Creator endows each of us to practice our faith and the freedom to live in public according to our faith,” Nelson said. “We’re pleased that there’s a move to protect and elevate the religious freedom of Kentuckians.” Nelson said he anticipates a bill to protect conscience rights for health care professionals. The last day to file new legislation is February 19.
