(A) During a state of emergency, religious services are deemed an essential service and are considered necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the public. (B) The State may not limit the ability of a religious organization to continue operating and to engage in religious services during a state of emergency to a greater extent than it limits operations or services of other organizations or businesses that provide essential services. (C) The State may require a religious organization to comply with neutral health, safety, or occupancy requirements during a state of emergency that: (1) are applicable to all organizations or businesses providing essential services; and (2) do not impose a substantial burden on religious services, unless the State demonstrates that the burden is necessary to further a compelling state interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. (D) The State may not take any discriminatory action against a religious organization on the basis that the organization is religious, operates or seeks to operate during a state of emergency, and engages in the exercise of religion. HISTORY: 2022 Act No. inst a religious organization on the basis that the organization is religious, operates or seeks to operate during a state of emergency, and engages in the exercise of religion. HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 141 (H.3105), Section 1, eff April 25, 2022.
South Carolina Legal Code