Assembly Joint Resolution 10 on ballot in November
In the November election, Wisconsin voters will decide on Assembly Joint Resolution 10 (AJR 10), a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that would amend Section 18 of the Wisconsin Constitution. Under Wisconsin Statute 323.10, the governor is authorized to declare a state of emergency for the state or any portion of it—including public health emergencies—if a disaster or imminent threat of a disaster exists. The proposed constitutional measure explicitly prohibits the state government, as well as local political subdivisions like cities and counties, from ordering the closure of places of worship or banning gatherings within them during any such national, state, or local emergency. The state legislature referred the amendment to the ballot largely along party lines, passing the Assembly by a 56-43 vote and the Senate by an 18-15 vote, with Republicans supporting the resolution and nearly all Democrats opposing it.
Supporters, including State Representative Ron Tusler (R-3) and Wisconsin Family Action President Daniel Degner, argue that the amendment is essential to safeguard fundamental religious liberties. Drawing on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020—when Governor Tony Evers issued Executive Order #12 restricting non-essential operations while deeming religious gatherings over ten people non-essential—proponents point out what they view as a clear injustice. They emphasize that some commercial establishments were allowed to remain open while houses of worship were shuttered, even when faith communities were prepared to follow equivalent safety protocols. Supporters contend that religious freedom is an unalienable right requiring equal protection under the law, ensuring faith groups are not treated as secondary during future crises.
Conversely, opponents such as State Senator Chris Larson (D-7) and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin warn that the measure threatens public health and safety. With Wisconsin having lost nearly 19,000 residents to COVID-19, critics argue that restricting public health officials from temporarily limiting large indoor gatherings could lead to unnecessary loss of life during future pandemics. Opponents also point out that temporary physical closures do not infringe upon religious freedom, given that modern technology enables congregations to conduct services virtually and practice their faith at home while keeping communities safe.
Voters will be presented with a clear choice on the ballot regarding this restriction. A "yes" vote supports the constitutional amendment to prohibit state and local governments from ordering the closure of or forbidding gatherings in places of worship during a declared state of emergency. A "no" vote opposes this prohibition, maintaining the government's authority to enforce temporary closures of places of worship along with other facilities during public health and emergency crises.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
