Anoka Times

Deputy Majority Leader Michelle Benson released a statement claiming Gov. Tim Walz's guidelines for places of worship during the next step of reopening the state are disrespectful to the faith communities. 

“Gov. Walz is tone deaf. After weeks of religious leaders reaching out with thoughtful plans to return to socially distanced religious services, the governor left the 10-person restriction in place. Why is the governor engaged in disparate treatment of places of worship?" Benson said in a press release from the Minnesota State Republican Caucus. 

Walz has allowed for restaurants to reopen along with other businesses, but places of worship are still being greatly restricted. 

"This is a small but good step toward reopening. However, churches are still limited to outside services of 10 or fewer, with the added stipulation of ‘no singing.’ Given the thoughtful proposals brought by faith leaders, the governor appears to be making arbitrary decisions," Benson said in the press release. "This is a slap in the face of our First Amendment rights. Minnesotans have every right to assemble, sing or perform ceremonies per their faith tradition. It is my hope that if there is a lawsuit filed on behalf of our religious rights, the people of Minnesota will stand with faith leaders.”