Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Utah Code Title 53. Public Safety Code § 53-2a-219. Religious practice during a state of emergency

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) During a state of emergency declared as described in this chapter:

(a) the governor or chief executive officer of a political subdivision may not impose a restriction on a religious gathering that is more restrictive than a restriction on any other relevantly similar gathering; and

(b) an individual, while acting or purporting to act within the course and scope of the individual's official government capacity, may not:

(i) prevent a religious gathering that is held in a manner consistent with any order or restriction issued pursuant to this part; or

(ii) impose a penalty for a previous religious gathering that was held in a manner consistent with any order or restriction issued pursuant to this part.

(2) Upon proper grounds, a court of competent jurisdiction may grant an injunction to prevent the violation of this section.

(3) During a state of emergency declared as described in this title, the governor or the chief executive of a political subdivision shall not issue an executive order or impose or implement a regulation that substantially burdens an individual's exercise of religion unless the governor or chief executive officer of the political subdivision demonstrates that the application of the burden to the individual:

(a) is in furtherance of a compelling government interest; and

(b) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling government interest.

(4) Notwithstanding Subsections (1) and (3), an executive order shall allow reasonable accommodations for an individual to perform or participate in a religious practice or rite.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Utah Code Title 53. Public Safety Code § 53-2a-219. Religious practice during a state of emergency - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ut/title-53-public-safety-code/ut-code-sect-53-2a-219/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard